The Horwath HTL report, unveiled at the Global Hospitality Conference on February 5th at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, provided a comprehensive analysis of the Indian hospitality market in 2024. Despite a year marked by the absence of major events like the G20 summit or cricket world cups, the sector demonstrated robust growth. The national occupancy rate reached 63.9%, with an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of INR7,951 and a Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) of INR5,000, reflecting a 10.7% growth in RevPAR. The sector expanded by adding 14,400 chain-affiliated rooms, pushing the total supply beyond 200,000 rooms. With a pipeline…
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Its MD & CEO Mahesh Iyer to oversee Group operations. The Board of Thomas Cook (India) Limited has approved the request of Madhavan Menon, who conveyed his decision to retire from his current role as Executive Chairman at Thomas Cook (India) Ltd. (TCIL), effective May 31, 2025. He will continue his mentorship role as Non-Executive Chairman after this date and also provide the guidance and support to the Board and senior management team at TCIL to ensure a seamless transition with Mahesh Iyer – Managing Director and CEO, now overseeing the Group operations as well. Menon commenced his career in…
SriLankan Airlines has launched ‘Yaana,’ an AI-powered chatbot designed to revolutionise customer service by providing instant, intelligent support. Developed in collaboration with CodeGen International (Pvt) Ltd., Yaana is now live on the airline’s corporate website, offering passengers real-time assistance using advanced AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) technologies. According to Chamara Perera, Group Head of Information Technology, Yaana utilises GPT-4 technology, conversational AI frameworks, and custom algorithms to deliver rapid, accurate, and contextually relevant responses. The chatbot efficiently cross-references flight schedules, policy documents, and real-time data to ensure passengers receive tailored information. Since its launch, Yaana has handled nearly…
Morocco successfully captivated the Indian travel market at OTM 2025, with the Moroccan National Tourism Office (MNTO) showcasing the country’s diverse travel experiences. Held at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, the MNTO stand attracted significant interest from Indian travel professionals, media representatives, and industry stakeholders. The booth highlighted Morocco’s cultural heritage, adventure tourism, historical landmarks, and luxury escapes, positioning the country as an appealing destination for families, couples, solo travellers, and thrill-seekers alike. To deepen engagement, MNTO hosted an exclusive networking evening, inviting key trade operators and media partners for an informative presentation on Morocco’s tourism potential. Recognising…
For travelers seeking a place with profound historical significance in African American heritage, the Richmond Region (RVA) stands out as a must-visit destination. Here, visitors can experience Black history and culture firsthand, from walking tours to museums and monuments honoring the contributions of Black Virginians. The Richmond Region is home to national landmark sites like the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia—one of the first sites added to UNESCO’s Network of Places of History and Memory—and the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood, once known as the “Harlem of the South.” There’s also the Trail of Enslaved Africans, the…
Boeing (BA.N) said on Thursday it expects Indian and South Asian airlines will add 2,835 commercial aircraft to their fleet over the next 20 years, a four-fold increase over current levels, as a rising middle class and healthy economic growth spur travel. The U.S. planemaker’s previous rolling 20-year market forecast, issued last year, was for 2,705 jets. “People will have greater access to air travel, and the region’s airlines will require a modern fuel-efficient fleet to meet increased demand over the next two decades,” said Ashwin Naidu, Boeing’s managing director of commercial marketing for India and South Asia.…
EaseMyTrip has signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) with the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to enhance Sabah’s appeal among Indian travellers. The agreement, signed on February 3, 2025, in New Delhi, will leverage EaseMyTrip’s digital reach to promote Sabah’s rich cultural heritage, adventure tourism, and luxury experiences. Under the partnership, EaseMyTrip will create a dedicated Sabah page featuring itineraries, must-visit attractions, and travel information. Destination-specific blogs, videos, and social media campaigns will showcase Sabah’s unique offerings. Additionally, co-funded digital marketing initiatives will expand outreach to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, targeting diverse traveller demographics. Beyond leisure tourism, the…
In a landmark move blending history with tourism, the Indian government has opened up several high-altitude battlefronts, including Demchok in Ladakh, to civilian visitors. This initiative, part of the Centre’s newly launched Battlefield Tourism, aims to offer citizens a rare glimpse into the country’s defense history while boosting tourism in remote border regions. Run jointly by the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Tourism, and state governments, the initiative covers 77 forward sites—21 in Arunachal Pradesh, 14 in Ladakh, 11 in Jammu and Kashmir, and seven in Sikkim. Among them is Galwan Valley, a name etched in recent memory after the…
Moscow continues to establish itself as a premier travel destination, welcoming 19.7 million visitors in the first nine months of 2024, including 1.9 million foreign tourists—a 19% rise from the previous year. India has emerged as a key non-CIS inbound market, contributing over 61,000 visitors. Strengthening its ties with India, Moscow made a strong impact at OTM 2025 in Mumbai, showcasing its rich cultural and business tourism offerings while reinforcing its commitment to the Indian market. During the exhibition, the Moscow City Tourism Committee signed two significant agreements to enhance tourism cooperation with Indian partners. A landmark cooperation agreement…
Al Habtoor City Hotels Collection participated in OTM Mumbai 2025, held from January 30 to February 1 at Jio World Convention Centre, BKC. The event provided a prime platform for Al Habtoor to showcase its world-class accommodations, grandeur, and personalised services, strengthening its presence in the Indian travel market. Comprising Al Habtoor Palace Dubai, V Hotel Dubai, and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, the collection blends tradition with modern luxury. Visitors explored bespoke experiences, including fine dining, wellness retreats, cityscapes, and waterfront stays. The booth highlighted the brand’s commitment to offering unparalleled hospitality to Indian travellers seeking opulence and…
