The maiden domestic sailing of the Costa Serena, an international cruise ship, was officially launched in Mumbai by Sarbananda Sonowal, the Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. Starting today until 11 January 2023 Costa Serena is set to home port in Mumbai operating on a newly created program of 2,3,5 nights itineraries from Mumbai and Kochi, Goa and the beautiful Island of Agatti in Lakshadweep. Besides the Minister, T K Ramachandran, Secretary, MoPSW, Francesco Raffa, Director Asia Region & Growth Markets, Costa Cruises, Nalini Gupta, Lotus Aero Enterprises, GSA of Costa Cruises, and other senior Officials attended the on-board event.…
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The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has named Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC, as its incoming new Chair. O’Hara, who will take over the position later this month, has been a member of WTTC’s Executive Committee since 2019, and Vice Chair since 2021. He will follow current Chairman, Arnold Donald, former President & CEO of Carnival Corporation, who has been in the position since the spring of 2021. Prior to forming Certares, one of the largest investment platforms dedicated to Travel & Tourism, O’Hara served as Chief Investment Officer of JPMorgan Chase’s Special…
The Goa Tourism Department has released Home Stay and Caravan policies aimed at attracting tourists with the promise of a ‘beyond beach’ experience to explore the coastal state which will also boost the income of local people. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said the Home Stay policy will primarily benefit the people living in Sanguem, Quepem, Canacona, Sattari, Bicholim and Pernem talukas. “This policy also gives scope for women entrepreneurs as it aims to take tourists to the hinterlands. We have noticed that tourists like to stay in rural areas, especially during the rainy season,” he said, adding the caravan policy…
India and United Kingdom (UK) are likely to finalise a new agreement which will allow airlines to deploy more flights between Delhi, Mumbai and London Heathrow airport. This new agreement will increase the quota of flights between the two Indian cities to London from 56 to 70 per week. The air service agreement between India and UK is structured differently with caps on flights based on destinations. According to an open sky agreement signed in 2017, there are no limits on flights between Indian cities except Bengaluru and Hyderabad where there is a capacity limit of 14 flights per week.…
Sri Lanka has invited bids for SriLankan Airlines as the island nation looks to reduce losses incurred by government-owned enterprises under a USD 2.9 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme. The airline, one of Sri Lanka’s biggest loss-making state enterprises, has struggled in recent years with a fall in tourism because of the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic crisis, reports Reuters. The Finance Ministry posted a notice inviting bids for the airline by Dec. 5. It aims to complete the sale by June. The government is in the process of restructuring the company’s debt, according to the bid notice. SriLankan…
Arnold Donald, Chair of WTTC, addressed the 23rd Global Summit in Rwanda, celebrating the transformative power of travel and acknowledging Rwanda’s profound significance. Arnold Donald emphasized travel’s ability to foster tolerance, reduce fear of the unknown, and promote understanding among diverse cultures. He extended a warm welcome to all attendees, recognizing them as industry leaders, visionaries, and emerging talents from around the world. Donald highlighted Rwanda’s breathtaking natural beauty and wildlife, but emphasized that the true essence of the nation lies in its united and dynamic people. Holding the Global Summit in Africa was deliberate and marks a historic moment…
In a significant development, Francis Gatare, the CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, delivered a warm welcome at the 2023 World Travel and Tourism Council Global (WTTC) Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The address commenced with a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, including President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Samia Suluhu of Tanzania, and Vice-President Prosper Bazombanza of Burundi. Gatare expressed his deep gratitude for the unwavering support of these leaders for the tourism sector. He also extended his thanks to Arnold Donald, Julia Simpson, and the entire WTTC community for choosing Rwanda as the host for this year’s summit.…
President & CEO Julia Simpson, while addressing the World Travel and Tourism Council’s Global Summit in Rwanda, discussed the significance of holding the global event in Africa and emphasized the transformation and economic potential of the continent’s travel and tourism sector. Simpson highlighted the significance of hosting the first-ever WTTC Global Summit in Africa, specifically in Rwanda, as a remarkable milestone. She shared her observations of Rwanda’s impressive progress. She noted the transformation of Rwanda’s business environment, which now ranks in the top 30 globally for ease of doing business. It takes just six hours to register a new company.…
The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), in collaboration with VFS Global released a report ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Travel & Tourism Growth in Africa,’ at the ongoing Global Summit in Kigali, Rwanda. The report highlights the significant potential for the African travel and tourism sector. Here are key points from the report: The report was jointly launched by Arnold Donald, Chair, WTTC; Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC and Hariprasad Viswanathan, Head, Sub Saharan Africa, VFS Global. Economic Potential: The African Travel & Tourism sector has the potential to add US$168 billion to the continent’s economy and create over 18…
Nestled in the heart of Louisiana in the Southern United States, New Orleans is a captivating destination weaving Spanish, French, African, and Caribbean influences. It’s a place where history, culture, and modern energy come together. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a music enthusiast, or an avid traveler, New Orleans has something for everyone. New Orleans is synonymous with Southern hospitality. The locals are known for their welcoming nature and are eager to share their city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Embark on a journey through a multicultural wonderland where music reverberates through the streets, festivals celebrate life’s joys,…
