1. Madhya Pradesh Tourism Partners with KidZania
Madhya Pradesh Tourism has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with KidZania to create an immersive experience center in Mumbai. This collaboration will use advanced virtual and augmented reality to introduce children to the state’s heritage, culture, wildlife, and adventures in an engaging way.
2. Jamaica Expanding into New Global Markets in 2024
Jamaica reported significant growth in tourism, with 1,016,185 stopover arrivals and over 700,000 cruise passengers, generating approximately US$1.8 billion in revenue. This marks a 4.6% increase in stopover arrivals and a 23% rise in cruise passengers compared to the previous year. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, made this announcement during ATM 2024.
3. GoAir Temporarily Loses International Flight Slots and Rights
GoAir has temporarily lost its slots and international bilateral rights to other airlines like Air India and IndiGo. This decision by the Civil Aviation Ministry aims to assist air passengers, allowing other airlines to officially retain the rights from the bankrupt airline with approval from the Centre.
4. Summer Travel Sees 40% Increase This Year
Indian travelers are escaping the heat, resulting in a 40% year-on-year increase in summer travel. Despite minor impacts from the general elections on corporate and MICE business, hospitality providers report strong demand, with beach destinations competing with hill stations for popularity.
5. IndiGo Introduces New Flights Connecting North Goa, Nagpur & Aurangabad
IndiGo will introduce new routes connecting Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar with North Goa and Nagpur, and a connection between Nagpur and North Goa via Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Starting July 2, 2024, these flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
6. India’s First Urban Ropeway in Varanasi to Launch Soon
The Varanasi Ropeway Project, India’s first urban ropeway, is progressing well. The project will link key areas of Varanasi, starting with a segment from the Varanasi Cantonment Railway Station to Rath Yatra, expected to be completed by August 2024. The entire phase, costing around Rs. 645 crore, should be finished by 2025.
7. Skyscanner Introduces Savings Generator Tool for Indian Travelers
Skyscanner has unveiled the 'Savings Generator', a new tool to help budget-conscious Indian travelers save on their summer trips. The tool’s release follows research indicating that many Indian travelers are seeking value deals for their vacations.
8. Saudi Tourism Authority Hosts Perfumery Events in Mumbai and Delhi
The Saudi Tourism Authority hosted 'Essence of Saudi', immersive perfumery workshops in Mumbai and Delhi, showcasing Saudi fragrances with a focus on Taif roses. Over 60 guests, including luxury travel trade partners, top online travel agents, wholesalers, media, influencers, and travel bloggers, attended the events.
9. TBO Tek Reports Strong Financial Performance for FY24
TBO Tek, a global travel distribution leader, reported a 31% increase in annual revenue to Rs. 1,393 crore, with PAT up by 35% to Rs. 201 crore. In Q4, GTV rose by 22% to Rs. 7,511 crore, revenue increased by 31% to Rs. 369 crore, adjusted EBITDA jumped by 76% to Rs. 69 crore, and PAT soared by 64% to Rs. 46 crore. These results include Jumbonline’s performance, marking a robust end to the fiscal year.
10. Sterling Resort in Ooty Receives Agoda Gold Circle Award
Sterling Ooty has received the 2023 Gold Circle Award from Agoda, recognizing its exceptional value, world-class service, and strong partnership with Agoda over the past year.
11. Sarova Hotels and Resorts Marks 50 Years of Excellence
Sarova Hotels marked its 50th anniversary in April 2024, celebrating a rich legacy of exceptional service and deep-rooted values that have defined its journey.
12. Crowne Plaza Greater Noida Opens Vritti Spa by Tattva
Crowne Plaza Greater Noida has introduced the Vritti Spa by Tattva, offering a tranquil retreat where guests can find peace and relaxation.
13. MRG Group and Marriott Hotels Launch Navi Mumbai Marriott Hotel
The Navi Mumbai Marriott Hotel has been launched, providing convenience and accessibility to both business travelers and vacationers.
14. JW Marriott Mauritius Resort Offers Holistic Wellbeing Paths
JW Marriott Mauritius Resort presents a wellness haven designed to help guests achieve mental, physical, and spiritual revitalization.
15. Jumeirah Group Opens First Hotel in Saudi Arabia
Jumeirah Group has opened its first hotel in Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Jabal Omar Makkah. The hotel, part of the Jabal Omar project’s second phase, features 1,121 elegantly designed rooms, suites, and residences, offering luxurious amenities for guests.
16. Cirque du Soleil and OUTRIGGER Debut ‘Auana’ Show in Hawaii
Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group has unveiled its first resident production in Hawai‘i, titled ‘Auana,’ at the OUTRIGGER Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel. The show, launching in late 2024, combines artistry, acrobatics, and heritage in a Hawai‘i-inspired production.
17. IndiGo Launches Super Saver Sale on Flights
IndiGo has launched a super saver sale on international and domestic travel, with fares starting at INR 1,199. The sale runs from May 29 to May 31, 2024, for travel between July 1 and September 30, 2024.
18. Vistara Enhances In-Flight Dining with Regional Delicacies
Vistara has upgraded its in-flight dining menu to include regional delicacies, offering passengers a diverse culinary experience.
19. Malaysia Airlines Increases Flights from Amritsar to Seven Times Weekly
Responding to strong travel demand, Malaysia Airlines will increase its flights from Amritsar to Kuala Lumpur from four to seven times weekly starting August 1, 2024. The airline had previously doubled its frequency in January 2024, reflecting confidence in the market.
20. The Imperial New Delhi Joins The Leading Hotels of the World
The Imperial New Delhi has joined The Leading Hotels of the World, becoming India’s only Grand Dame to be part of this exclusive network. The hotel will also join the Leaders Club loyalty program, enhancing its relationship with discerning travelers.
21. Turkish Airlines Unveils New Sleeping Set for Passengers
Turkish Airlines has introduced a new sleeping set for long-haul flights, combining elegant design with comfort to provide a home-like sleeping environment and elevate the in-flight experience.
22. Qatar Airways to Offer Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi Onboard
Qatar Airways will introduce Starlink's high-speed, low-latency Wi-Fi on three of its Boeing 777-300 aircraft by the end of this year. This is part of a plan to gradually roll out SpaceX-powered technology across its entire fleet within the next two years, enhancing passenger connectivity.
23. AirAsia Enhances India-Malaysia Connectivity
AirAsia has resumed flight operations between Bhubaneswar and Kuala Lumpur. The inaugural flight, carrying a full load of passengers, departed from Biju Patnaik Airport and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2).
24. Cruisesthan 2024: International B2B Wedding Summit on a Cruise
Cruisesthan 2024 is set to be a premier event in the wedding planning industry, bringing together over 300 wedding planners from India and around the world.
25. Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Announce Spotlight Voyage
Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team have announced a new Spotlight Voyage in the Mediterranean for summer 2025. Hosted by driver Pedro de la Rosa, this unique experience will immerse luxury travelers in the worlds of ultra-luxury cruising and high-performance racing.
26. Valley of Flowers in Uttarakhand Opens for Travelers on June 1
The Valley of Flowers trek in Uttarakhand will open on June 1, allowing adventurers to explore the stunning Valley of Flowers National Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve since 2005.
This news update is credited to Business of Travel Trade, brought to you by Dr. Syed Wali Khaled.
http://theincredible.life/
http://sterlingvacations.co.in/
