ITC Hotels delivering superlative experiences backed by technology and workforce

ITC Hotels has always been the trendsetter in the market and has taken some incredible initiatives to keep up with the trends like sustainability, global perspective, and finding balance with the new consumer habits. Benita Sharma, Area Manager North, Luxury Hotels and General Manager - ITC Maurya, shares a few aspects of the brand that prides itself on moving with the times and serving its customers in the most modern, convenient, innovative, and efficient way possible.

Champagne Towers and Immersive Experiences to Woo Younger Cruisers

The cruise industry had its fair share of hardships during the tough times of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this was a time of great learning and self-introspection, resulting in a critical evaluation of trends, habits, and consumption patterns. The cruise lines are now back with a bang and the party has just begun.

Tamil Nadu to leverage its Tourism Strengths to achieve more footfalls

According to the India Tourism Statistics 2022 report, Tamil Nadu ranked first in domestic tourist arrivals in 2021 and also reflected good numbers in international arrivals, albeit, there was a slump in inbound travel. With a great mix of ancient civilization, heritage, rich history and culture, grand temples, colorful festivals, vibrant art forms, urban disposition, and natural beauty, Tamil Nadu has carved a unique position for itself as one of India's most-visited destinations. The Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) is optimistic about more tourist footfalls into the state as they are giving impetus to many tourism initiatives and laying special focus on improving infrastructures and amenities. In this exclusive interview with TTJ, Sandeep Nanduri, IAS, Director of Tourism and Managing Director, TTDC, shares how they are promoting Tamil Nadu in the domestic and international arena and the initiatives taken to strengthen the state to become a much more fascinating travel destination than it is.

Get Bedazzled on the Nile...

Operating an elegant and luxurious fleet of three cruise vessels plying the Nile, Mayfair Cruises is one of the top river cruise operators in Egypt. With great expectations from the India market, Maggie Petrova, Commercial Director, Mayfair Cruises, was in Mumbai recently to share more about their product portfolio and their readiness for the India market as she invites more Indians to visit Egypt and unravel the mysteries of the Nile, on-board one of their luxurious vessels.

MOKSHA Luxury in the tranquil foothills of the Himalayas

Moksha Himalaya Spa Resort near Chandigarh offers a serene getaway with wellness amenities, nestled in the tranquil Himalayan foothills. This idyllic retreat offers a multi-sensory experience that pampers the mind, body, and soul. Immerse yourself in a world of natural beauty and peacefulness, where only the sounds of birds and rustling bamboo interrupt the calm.

QATAR Where Blooms the Desert Rose

First mentioned in the writings of the Roman statesman, 'Pliny the Elder', around the mid-first century AD, who coined the word \"Catharrei,\" referring to the inhabitants of this region. Qatar has since come a long way today, from once being the source of some of the best pearls in the world that its pearl divers harvested, to being the poster child of the world oil economy. Today the Doha skyline boasts magnificent superstructures by leading names in architecture, malls, hotels, stadiums, and marinas that reflect the spending and buying power of a country that boasts the fourth-highest per capita income in the world. Host to the 2022 FIFA world cup, Qatar is now working to welcome the fruits of the global tourism economy as the world moves toward alternative energy sources.

Singapore's Bird Paradise and Mandai Wildlife West opening soon, set to thrill visitors

Visitors will soon be able to walk through Singapore's new bird park and get a glimpse of how the birds and their caretakers are settling into their new home at Bird Paradise, which softlaunches on May 8, 2023. Next to the new park, enjoy the many dining and retail options as well as playgrounds at Mandai Wildlife West, the new ungated public node which serves as the gateway to Bird Paradise and the upcoming Rainforest Wild.

Aitken Spence Hotels Ready to cater to Indian Travellers in the Maldives

Aitken Spence Hotels, operating 18 hotels and resorts across Maldives, Sri Lanka, India and Oman, is eyeing further expansion in the Maldives. Darell De Crusz, VP and Head, Sales and Marketing, Aitken Spence Hotels, credits the Maldives' success in handling the pandemic while keeping tourism afloat to India's efficient vaccination drive and crisis management. Aitken Spence Hotels is well-prepared to cater to the Indian traveller, with a range of Indian cuisine available at its properties. The hotel group also focuses on sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint while providing a luxury experience to its guests.

Soneva Unveils Next Phase of Wellness Development Soneva Soul

The latest in cuttingedge wellness technology added to Soneva Soul's transformative treatment offering in the Maldives.

From Back Office to Boardroom The Evolution of Priyanka Nijhawan and Nijhawan Representations

Priyanka Nijhawan, Director, Nijhawan Group, in an exclusive interview with Travel Trade Journal, shared her journey from a maths and computer science student to becoming an integral part of Nijhawan Group's representation vertical. Her journey began in 2005 when she started handling the backoffice accounts. After taking a sabbatical to focus on her family, she jumped back in and grew the representation vertical from just two accounts to multiple accounts and established various verticals, including PR and marketing, over the years. Today, Nijhawan Group offers end-toend solutions for B2B travel, account management, influencer campaigns, and joint marketing activities.

Destination DC keen on investing to encourage more visitations from India.17

Capitol Building Elliott L Ferguson II serves as President and CEO of Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC. In this exclusive interaction with Elliott, we get to know more about the destination which has quietly grown from a political and historical city into a serious arts, culture and gastronomical destination, this shows that the city isn't relying just on its history to attract visitors.

KISSIMMEE The Vacation Heart of Florida

On the Northwest shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, in the heart of Sunny Florida, just a 20-minute taxi ride from the Orlando International Airport, and in close proximity to all the major attractions like Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, Legoland, and the Kennedy Space Centre lies a town that goes by the synonym 'Vacation Home Capital of the World, Kissimmee.' TTJ interacted with Yinglu Tian, Director, International and Domestic Sales, Experience Kissimmee, who recently visited India to share with the Indian travel fraternity, the latest developments and offerings that the region offers across the various travel segments.

US witnesses good rebound and strong growth in Indian arrivals

Special screenings of Brand USA's bigscreen movie, 'Into Nature's Wild' in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Bengaluru showcase the stunning natural beauty of the United States.

Miami City: A Year-Round Destination with Something for Everyone

Beaches, nightlife, shopping, food, music, sports, art and culture... Miami is a year-round destination that has something for everyone. Joe Docal, the Director, Travel Industry Sales at the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, was recently in India for Brand USA's multi-city roadshow. A travel industry veteran, Joe started his career in the car rental industry, then moved onto the cruise industry where he worked at Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Costa Crociere before joining the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau in 2016. At the Greater Miami CVB, he has been responsible for working with the team of global representatives for the GMCVB, tour operators and travel advisors in key domestic and international markets. Joe is currently responsible for overseeing Europe and Emerging Markets.

Tourism New Zealand's Success Story in Attracting Indian Visitors

Despite the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, New Zealand's tourism industry has maintained its steady growth in Indian visitors. According to Angela Blair, GM International, Tourism New Zealand, the growth trend is expected to continue. New Zealand offers a variety of travel experiences for families, couples, and adventure seekers from India. Simultaneously, the board works closely with Indian travel agents and tour operators to promote the country as a travel destination. The country has also implemented safety measures to ensure a safe and healthy travel experience for Indian tourists.

Western Australia eyes direct flight from India to Perth to tap into VFR market

With India being one of Western Australia's largest markets that remains unserved by a direct airline service, Hon Roger Cook, Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism, Western Australia, recently attended the CAPA India Aviation Summit in New Delhi to discuss establishing a direct flight from India to Perth. This move follows the state's tourism body meeting with top airlines in July 2022 to develop direct aviation connections between the two destinations. Western Australia's Deputy Premier highlighted various travel destinations within the state, promoting adventure, wildlife, and unique culinary experiences to attract Indian visitors.

TCS Tightening the Noose

In a post-GST and COVID environment, the government bowled a bouncer with the introduction of a 5 per cent TCS on outbound travel. For an industry that was and is still gasping for a fresh lease of life, it was a hit below the belt. Immediate appeals and representations followed hoping for review and redressal but barely had the industry put its pen down to take a breather, the \"Death Knell\" struck! or at least that is how it is widely perceived. TCS rates are now hiked to 20 per cent and with the passing of the finance bill in the parliament is now a law. The industry stands shellshocked, still trying to find the rationale behind this move. TTJ spoke to the captains of the industry to understand the implication, impact, and fallout of this move.

Travel industry is bouncing back Is your business keeping pace?

The travel industry is soaring to newer heights. With bookings and inquiries skyrocketing, we finally see the light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. According to UNWTO, a notable increase in international tourism receipts has been recorded across most destinations, in several cases higher than their growth in arrivals. As destinations worldwide reopen and welcome back travellers with open arms, the question remains, is your business ready?

IGLTA: Ensuring an Equal and Inclusive World for All Travellers

Founded in 1983, the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) is one of the very few organisations in the world dedicated solely to promoting and supporting LGBTQ+ tourism businesses. In an exclusive interview with Travel Trade Journal, John Tanzella, President and CEO, International LGBTQ+ Travel Association shared with us the organisation’s mission and vision, as well as the hurdles and the challenges faced by them. Tanzella also shed light on the IGLTA’s expansion plans and their noble act of spreading awareness, to make this world LGBTQ+ friendly. Read on to know more.

Must have experiences at THE KUMAON for a refreshing 2023!

Pay heed to the calling of the mountains and begin 2023 with an unforgettable retreat in the heart of the Himalayas. The Kumaon sitting atop a ridge, surrounded by the sanctity of the Nanda Devi Range, boasts of diverse experiences where one can disconnect with the tangible workings of the world and reconnect with one's truest self.

CELESTIAL DISCOVERIES IN NEW ZEALAND

Stargazing in New Zealand is an incredibly wonderful experience thanks to the country's pitch-black skies, distinctive celestial formations, and exotic landscapes. Be it shooting stars and constellations in the clear sky or starry night; New Zealand has some of the best public observatories in the world. Wish to fall deeper in love with the dark skies? Find out where to get a billion-star view of some of the clearest skies from earth.

Pride Hotels to double its portfolio to 100 hotels by 2030

S.P. Jain, Founder and CMD of Pride Hotels, is a Chartered Accountant with over thirty years of expertise in hotels, construction, and finance. He made his initial foray into the hospitality industry when his first hotel was commissioned in 1988 in Pune, under Pride Hotels. Over the years, SP Jain has contributed to the industry with his knowledge and expertise. In this exclusive interaction with TTJ, he talks about the group’s performance, success, challenges and ambitious expansion plans.

The Apurva Kempinski, Bali: a luxurious gateway to the Bali life

The Apurva Kempinski is a blend of traditional Balinese architecture and tropical island at Nusa Dua, Bali “Bali is more than a place. It’s a mood, it’s magical. It’s a tropical state of mind.”

Uttar Pradesh Tourism: Pressing all the right buttons

Speaking to Travel Trade Journal recently, Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism and Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh, shared some latest insights into the strides that Uttar Pradesh was lately making in developing a multifaceted, safe and tourist-friendly tourism product. The endeavour is to fill in all the missing links, and gaps and echo the sentiment of 'Athiti Devo Bhava'.

Dubai Holding Entertainment's Hala Dubai to shake up India market

Despite the pandemic's blow, Dubai has seen a speedy recovery and is on the path to reaching pre-pandemic growth levels. With the commitment to its visitors and inclusivity, Dubai Holding Entertainment projects soaring numbers in the future. In an exclusive interview with Travel Trade Journal, Rami Mashini, Executive Director, Sales, Dubai Holding Entertainment, also revealed the group's efforts to attract visitors from the India market, which has become the group's biggest source market in 2022. Dubai Holding Entertainment's upcoming project, Hala Dubai, in collaboration with Real Madrid, is going to be bigger than ever. Mashini hinted that the launch would take place within Dubai Parks and ResortsTM, and more details would be revealed closer to the date.

MALDIVES NAVIGATES PANDEMIC CHALLENGES: Evolves into a Destination for All

The Maldives is a nation of over 1,000 islands located in the Indian Ocean. Known for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and luxurious resorts, the Maldives has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing travel restrictions and shutdowns worldwide, the Maldives, like many other tourist-dependent economies, has faced challenges in keeping its tourism industry afloat. In this article, we'll explore how the Maldives has navigated the pandemic and hear from Fathimath Afra, Chief Marketing Officer, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation, about the strategies that have been implemented to keep the tourism industry going during these difficult times.

TOURISM WESTERN AUSTRALIA: WITNESSING A ROBUST AND FASTGROWING INTEREST FROMINDIA MARKET

As a major focus market, India represents an enormous growth opportunity for Western Australia's (WA) visitor economy. In the period May to September 2022, arrivals from India to WA recovered to 87 per cent of pre-COVID levels, which far outstripped the average of 46 per cent from other countries and reflects the Indian markets' rapidly growing interest in WA as a holiday destination. TTJ interacted with Carolyn Turnbull, Managing Director, Tourism WA, who is responsible for promoting WA as an incredible tourism destination, along with delivering world-class tourism experiences and events calendar. She shares with us more about the sun-kissed destination with jaw-dropping, dreamlike scenery and authentic cultural experiences and how they are targeting and working to get in more Indian tourists.

Hope, Caution And Alarm For The Travel Industry

The Union Budget 2023-24 was presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on February 1, 2023. Expectations ran high, as every industry and its verticals have their own wishlist and pain areas which they look forward to being addressed. The travel, tourism and hospitality industry has its own long pending list of unaddressed issues for which constant representations have been made over the years. As usual, they remained unaddressed even in this budget. What was presented was a progressive, growth-oriented agenda for tourism at a macro level. However, the issues relating to the immediate survival and global competitiveness of the industry remained unaddressed. To add insult to injury, a massive hike in the TCS regime was proposed.

Discover Okinawa At Your Own Pace, Island By Island, Moment By Moment

The islands of Okinawa are as diverse as they are plentiful, stretching from the main island in the north to Ishigaki and beyond in the south. There are 160 islands, large and small, inhabited and uninhabited. Authentic Okinawan experiences await, with cultural treasures, outdoor adventure, and world-class diving just some of the draws. Choose the perfect destination for your unforgettable Okinawa experience. Discover Okinawa at your own pace, island by island, moment by moment.

TTJ TRAVMART hosts a fun-filled afternoon at Delta 105 for its partners

TTJ TRAVMART, in association with Delta 105, hosted a fun-filled and activity-oriented afternoon for its key industry partners with their families for this one-of-a-kind \"True Fauji\" experience on January 04, 2023, to welcome the New Year. With a great deal of fun in the sun, everyone enjoyed the zipline, grenade throwing, and paintball experience with some scrumptious food. Here is more on the army theme park loaded with amusing army theme activities.