Welcome to the Latest Edition of Today’s Traveller Newsletter!
Attention Travel Enthusiasts! We are thrilled to introduce the latest edition of Today’s Traveller e-Newsletter – your ultimate guide to the exciting world of travel, enriched with professional insights and a touch of adventure. Our dedicated team at Today’s Traveller has crafted a resource that’s informative and incredibly engaging.
The current Newsletter brings you to the forefront of news from the realms of travel, tourism, aviation, and hospitality. We’re your exclusive access to the hottest trends and recent developments in these sectors. Gear up as we reveal the latest airline routes that promise to inspire your future travels.
Whether you’re an adventurer, a family traveller, or a connoisseur of luxury, we have something for everyone. Discover the best destinations in India and around the world and the wide range of hotel options to suit every pocket, be it budget or luxury- carefully selected to cater to your travel aspirations. Let’s keep the adventure alive, one newsletter at a time!
Today’s Traveller Snippets
- Finnair’s revamped long-haul Business Class
- Qatar Airways Acquires 25 per cent stake in Airlink
- Air India appoints Oscar Travel Services as passenger GSA in Malaysia
- Vistara merges with Air India
- Spiritual tourism holds economic growth potential, reveals KPMG in India
- WTM London 2024 is set to be biggest to date
- InterGlobe Forays into International Hospitality with Miiro Hotels in Paris and Barcelona
- Air India Flying Members can now earn reward points on 40+ cruise lines
- Goa welcomes new international route as Uzbekistan Airways launches Tashkent-Mopa flights
- IATA and Outpayce enable airlines to accept UPI payments in India
- Ethiad’s A380 arrives in Mumbai
- British Airways set for a record-breaking summer of flights to North America
- Bin Ali Tourism LLC unveils ambitious growth strategy for the India Market
- Atmosphere Core expands into Maharashtra with two new luxury properties
- Capella Hotels and Resorts debuts in Taiwan with Capella Kenting
- Turkish Airlines celebrates 20 Million Miles&Smiles Members
- Malaysia Airlines partners with Tourism Australia
- Turkish Airlines announces its flights to Sydney
- Jetwing Hotels launches Jetwing Jungle Lodge, Yala
Focus Feature
Union Minister bestows Hall of Fame award to Puneet Chhatwal at IATO
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) honoured Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director & CEO of IHCL, with the prestigious Hall of Fame award at the 39th IATO Annual Convention. In recognition of Puneet Chhatwal’s outstanding contributions to the Indian tourism industry and the pivotal role he has played in transforming the hospitality landscape, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, Government of India, and Dr Mohan Yadav, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh presented the award on 30th August in a ceremony in Bhopal.
Goa Sets High Benchmarks for Regenerative Tourism: The Department of Tourism, Goa, had the privilege of participating in the Western & Central States/Union Territories Tourism Ministers Conference organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India at Taj Cidade Goa Horizon.
This high-level meeting brought together the Hon’ble Union Tourism Minister, GOI, Shri. Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Hon’ble Union Minister for the State for Tourism, GOI, Shri. Suresh Gopi, Union Tourism Secretary, GOI, Smt. V. Vidyavathi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Rajasthan, Smt. Diya Kumari, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Madhya Pradesh, Shri. Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, Hon’ble Tourism Minister, Chhattisgarh, Shri. Kedar Kashyap, along with other officials from across states and union territories to discuss collaborative strategies for advancing tourism across the region.
Interview
Gaurav Pokhariyal: IHCL aims for strong DEI Empowerment: In an interview with Today’s Traveller, Gaurav Pokhariyal, Executive Vice President of human resources at IHCL, emphasized the growing importance of DEI in the industry and the need for Championing Affirmative Action for Economic Empowerment.
News
HSMAI India Commercial Strategy Conference 2024: The HSMAI India Commercial Strategy Conference (CSC) 2024, held on July 26th at The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences, was an extraordinary convergence of industry leaders, innovative thinkers, and passionate professionals from the hospitality sector.
IHCL announces the signing of a Taj Hotel at Sohna Road: IHCL has announced the signing of a new Taj hotel in Gurugram, Haryana. The hotel will feature 225 spacious guest rooms and suites, each designed with an emphasis on luxury and comfort. This greenfield project will be branded as Taj, marking the company’s continued expansion in key markets in India.
39th IATO to bring big tourism benefits to Madhya Pradesh: Addressing the 39th IATO Annual Convention at Bhopal, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla, highlighted India’s path to becoming an economic superpower by 2047 under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership. He emphasized the need for three key revolutions: the Green Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the Tourism Revolution.
Signing of Ramada Encore by Wyndham in Gurugram: AS Hotels & Residences Private Limited has announced its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to open a ‘Ramada Encore’ branded hotel in Sector 84, Gurugram, Haryana. Ramada Encore by Wyndham located in Gurugram on Dwarka Expressway will have 91 keys including suites.
RHG delivers strong growth with over 130+ signings and openings in 2024
Radisson Hotel Group (RHG) reports a strong H1 2024 with significant milestones across its global brand portfolio, further expanding and strengthening its business and leisure footprint around the world. Radisson Hotel Group continues to deliver on its progressive growth plan during the first half of 2024, welcoming over 130 new signings and openings across EMEA and APAC.
Air India introduces new experience on Delhi-London route: Air India has introduced its brand-new Airbus A350-900 aircraft on the Delhi-London Heathrow route. The Air India A350 cabin product includes a fresh three-class configuration offering full-flat beds in Business, a new Premium Economy experience and the latest generation seats in Economy.
Brigade Group and Accor Launch ibis Styles Mysuru: Brigade Group and Accor have announced the launch of ibis Styles Mysuru on KRS Road. ibis Styles is the fourth hotel between Brigade Group and Accor, and their second in Mysuru after Grand Mercure Mysuru.
IHCL announces the opening of Ginger Srinagar: IHCL) has announced the opening of its second Ginger hotel in Jammu and Kashmir, Ginger Srinagar, Barzulla. Ginger Srinagar, Barzulla embodies the brand’s signature lean luxe philosophy, providing guests with a contemporary and comfortable stay.
STAAH’s Mumbai chapter successfully concludes: STAAH partnered with hotel booking platform, Booking.com and WebBeds – the global marketplace for travel trade, to organise the mega hospi-tech networking conference that saw the attendance of over 400 industry experts and innovators converge at Mumbai’s Sahara Star hotel.
Marriott International opens its 600th property
Marriott International has announced the opening of its 600th property in the Asia Pacific excluding China (APEC) region with the Adelaide Marriott Hotel. Paying homage to the company’s flagship brand, the opening marks the first Marriott International property in South Australia, underscoring the company’s focus on growing its presence in emerging destinations.
Air India inaugurates non-stop flights to Kuala Lumpur: Air India has inaugurated its daily, non-stop flights between Delhi and Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The inaugural flight, operated by Airbus A320neo aircraft, landed at Kuala Lumpur at 2043 Hrs local time on 15 September 2024. Air India’s service to Kuala Lumpur offers a new flight option to an increasing number of travellers between India and Malaysia, and it opens new connections for Malaysian travellers to access Air India’s worldwide network that spans five continents.
Signing of Ramada Resort & Residences by Wyndham in Nainital: Naini Habitat Developers Private Limited (NHDPL) has announced its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to open Ramada Resort and Residences in Nainital, Uttarakhand. Ramada Resort and Residences by Wyndham Nainital will have about 155 keys including villas. The hotel is currently greenfield and is expected to open in 2027.
Yatra Doubles Down on Corporate Travel with the Acquisition of Globe Travels: Yatra Online Limited has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of Globe All India Services Limited (Globe Travels), a premier Corporate Travel Services provider for INR 1280 million in cash.
Marriott International signs the first Fairfield by Marriott brand in Mohali: Marriott International, Inc. has announced a signed agreement with The Icon Group to debut the Fairfield by Marriott brand in one of India’s most well-designed cities, Mohali, in Chandigarh. Expected to feature 106 keys, the hotel will be part of a mixed-use development project, encompassing a well-distributed retail space and a multiplex cinema.
ITC Hotels expand presence in Rajasthan with Welcomhotel Pushkar: ITC Hotels’ growth trajectory continues to rise as the brand signs a Welcomhotel property with SRK Hospitality Pvt. Ltd. in Pushkar. Expected to open in 2026, it will be spread across nearly 3 acres and shall be easily accessible by air, rail and road.
Signing of Ramada Encore by Wyndham Jammu: M/s Triple S, a hotel and development company based out of Jammu, has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, for a new hotel development under the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand. Expected to open in 2026, the hotel is being built on the Akhnoor road in Jammu. The hotel will have a modern design and feature 54 contemporary rooms and a host of amenities.
ITC Hotels to manage Madhya Pradesh’s Heritage Destination – ‘Lunera ki Sarai’
ITC Hotels recently signed a management agreement with Bhopal-based Lunera Castle Resort & Spa, for a landmark property under brand Welcomhotel in Mandu, Madhya Pradesh. With this signing, ITC’s Hotel Group will have nearly 540 keys in Madhya Pradesh. This includes two operating WelcomHeritage properties in Pench, Pachmarhi and three Welcomhotels in the pipeline at Jabalpur, Gwalior and Bhopal.
AirAsia Thailand announces direct services to Hyderabad and Phuket from Bangkok and Chennai: AirAsia Thailand continues with its expansion in India with the introduction of direct flights from Hyderabad to Bangkok as well as Chennai to Phuket. The new flight services, set to take off on 27 October 2024 for Hyderabad and 30 Oct 2024 for Chennai, will enable travellers from two of India’s key cities to fly directly to Thailand.
IHCL Steps into Puducherry signs a Vivanta: IHCL has announced the signing of a new hotel in Puducherry which will be branded a Vivanta. This strategic expansion aligns with IHCL’s commitment to establishing its presence across key locations in India.
THSC announces Indian Team for WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon, France
The Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), in collaboration with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), has announced the Indian team for the upcoming WorldSkills Competition 2024, scheduled to take place in Lyon, France, from September 10th to 15th.
Opening of Ramada by Wyndham Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium: M/s Sankalp Recreation Private Limited has announced the opening of Ramada by Wyndham Ahmedabad Narendra Modi Stadium Motera in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The hotel has 55 contemporary spacious rooms and a host of amenities.
Fortune Hotels grows its footprint in Uttar Pradesh
Fortune Hotels, a member of ITC’s hotel group, has announced its latest signing in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Expected to be launched by October 2026, the hotel is just a short walk from the railway station, 7.5 km away from the Gorakhpur International Airport and around 3 Kms from the ancient Gorakhnath Math, a temple of significance for the Nath monastic order group of the Nath tradition, which attracts numerous visitors and devotees throughout the year; making the hotels’ location very strategic.
Signing of Glenview Resort Kasauli: RHG has announced the signing of Glenview Resort Kasauli, a member of Radisson Individuals. This new addition marks the Group’s 10th hotel in the state, reflecting the brand’s strategic focus on building hotels in drivable distances, weaving them within its vast existing portfolio. The Group currently operates five hotels and resorts in Himachal Pradesh under multiple brands, including Radisson Blu, Radisson, and Radisson Individuals Retreats. Its pipeline in the state includes upcoming hotels in Shimla, Manali, and Chail.
South African Tourism Partners with Ethiopian Airlines: South African Tourism has partnered with Ethiopian Airlines to launch its #ExploreMore&MoreForLess campaign. An extension to South African Tourism’s wildly popular More&More campaign, #ExploreMore&MoreForLess empowers Indian travellers to embark on as many quests from the 3,000 adventure activities, majestic wildlife and varied culinary experiences available in South Africa.
IHCL strengthens its presence in Chennai, signs two hotels: IHCL has signed a Vivanta and a Ginger hotel in Mahindra World City (MWC), Chennai. The 100-key Vivanta MWC will offer elegantly designed rooms and suites, an all-day diner and a speciality restaurant featuring a bar.
Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport debuts: Hyatt announced plans for the first Hyatt-branded hotel in the historic city of Aurangabad – Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport. The 157-room Hyatt Place Aurangabad Airport represents continued expansion of the Hyatt Place brand in India and is set to be the sixth Hyatt-branded property in the state of Maharashtra.
Spectacular Saudi Campaign Invites Indian Travellers: Saudi’s national tourism brand, ‘Saudi Welcome to Arabia’ has launched its first-ever integrated consumer campaign for the Indian market – ‘Spectacular Saudi’. With a captivating blend of ancient tales and modern marvels, this campaign reveals a side of Saudi that transcends all expectations.
Minor Hotels to Debut in Singapore with Avani Hotels & Resorts: Minor Hotels has announced plans to launch its Avani Hotels & Resorts lifestyle brand in Singapore, marking the group’s entry into the country. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2027, the 13-storey upscale property aligns with Minor Hotels’ expansion strategy to strengthen its footprint in major global destinations.
Sarovar Hotels expands with Deventure Sarovar Portico Patel Nagar: Sarovar Hotels has announced the grand opening of Deventure Sarovar Portico, Patel Nagar. This addition bolsters Sarovar Hotel’s presence in Delhi (NCR) where it currently manages 15 hotels.
Indo-US Tourism Summit for Swifter Visa Approval: India and the US have a lot of unexploited potential in the tourism and hospitality space and more direct flights between the two countries and a swifter visa application process is the need of the hour to boost the segment.
Moxy Hotels debuts with Moxy Mumbai Andheri West: Moxy Hotels has announced the opening of Moxy Mumbai Andheri West, marking the brand’s much-anticipated debut in Mumbai. The hotel presents 105 stylish and cosy rooms, cleverly designed to maximize space and meet the discerning needs of modern travellers.
ITDC announces Q1 Results for FY 2024-25: India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), a public sector entity under the Ministry of Tourism has announced its Q1 results for FY 2024-25. The corporation reported a total turnover of Rs. 87.62 crores, while Profit before Tax (PBT) hit Rs. 10.12 crores
Saudi Tourism Authority Hosts 4-City Events: Saudi Tourism aims to make India its top source market targeting 7.5 million visitors within the next seven years. Beginning the year with massive inbound numbers from last year and encouraging growth projections, Saudi tourism is racing ahead on its remarkable journey.
Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority collaborates with EaseMyTrip: The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) and EaseMyTrip have joined forces to attract more Indian travellers to the Kingdom of Bahrain, a captivating destination that seamlessly blends rich history and culture with modernity and progress.
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