On the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Qatar Airways announced that its significant order of Boeing 777X aircraft has been expanded to include an impressive 20 Boeing 777-9. This is in addition to its existing order of 40 Boeing 777-9 commercial aircraft, bringing the total to 94 commercial and cargo of Boeing 777X aircraft. The announcement also includes a commitment for 40 additional GE9X engines and spare engines, as well as a long-term services agreement. On the first day of Farnborough Airshow 2024, Qatar Airways showcased Qsuite Next Gen, the latest version of the World’s Best Business…
Author: Disha Ghosh
According to the latest GBTA Business Travel Index Report, because of economic stability, pent-up demand and recovery momentum spending in the business travel industry is projected to surpass USD 2 trillion by 2028. Meanwhile, the forecast by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), a business travel and meetings trade organisation, for 2024 predicts global business travel spending will reach USD 1.48 trillion USD by the end of the year, an increase on 2019 spending which was a previous record at USD 1.43 trillion. “We are witnessing the expected rebound in the sector, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of businesses and…
In a significant push towards strengthening India’s maritime economy, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced key initiatives in the Union Budget aimed at revitalising the country’s shipbuilding and shipping sectors. The reforms are expected to unlock a market potential of INR 12 trillion, providing a substantial boost to employment and skill development. Sitharaman proposed a simple tax scheme for foreign shipping companies operating domestic cruises to boost cruise tourism in the country during the Union budget presentation. “To give a fillip to this employment generting industry, I am proposing a simpler tax regime for foreign shipping companies operating domestic cruises in…
The travel and tourism industry in India has expressed disappointment over the Union Budget 2024-25, which failed to address the aviation and hospitality sectors, instead concentrating solely on the development of religious circuits. Industry stakeholders had hoped for a significant overhaul concerning Tax Collected at Source (TCS) and incentives for tourism promotion. There was also an expectation for immediate efforts to revamp India’s global image as a tourist destination and to introduce visa-free entry on a reciprocal basis. Here are some of the views of the industry experts: Madhavan Menon, Executive Chairman, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (Thomas Cook, SOTC, Sterling…
The Union Budget 2024-25 has allocated INR 2,080 crore for tourism infrastructure development, a significant increase from the revised outlay of INR 1,294 crore in 2023-24. The tourism sector has also received a 3.3% higher capital expenditure push of INR 2,479.62 crore for the financial year 2024-25, up from the INR 2,400 crore allocated in the previous Budget. The revised budget outlay for tourism stood at INR 1,692.10 crore. “Tourism has always been a part of our civilization. Our efforts to position India as a global tourist destination will also create jobs, stimulate investment, and unlock economic opportunities for other…
Airports Council International (ACI) World and Airbus have signed a cooperation agreement to support the industry’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation. This partnership leverages the strengths of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturer and the largest international association of airports to make significant progress in both decarbonising aviation and mitigating aircraft noise impact. This alliance will address key areas including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), hydrogen technologies, advanced air mobility, operations efficiency, and aircraft noise management practices. It will foster the exchange of information and perspectives on low carbon operations, communicate industry progress, jointly develop guidance materials, and potentially…
The Union Budget announced by Nirmala Sitharaman saw major thrust on developing newer destinations and circuits, while continuing to innovate. Development of temples and sites of relgious importance formed the cortnerstone of her speech for the travel & tourism sector. Some of the initiatives announced incude: Development of Vishnupad Temple Corridor and Mahabodhi Temple Corridor modelled on Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor Comprehensive development initiative for Rajgir will be undertaken which holds religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. The development of Nalanda as a tourist centre besides reviving Nalanda University to its glorious stature. Assistance to development of Odisha’s scenic…
EaseMyTrip.com has opened its new office in Gurugram, Haryana. This strategic move highlights a key milestone in the brand’s expansion journey. Located in the prime region of Institutional Area, Sector 32, Gurugram, the new office resonates with EaseMyTrip’s commitment to its customers for offering exceptional services. The new office will support the company’s integral operations. Nishant Pitti, CEO & Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “We are thrilled to open doors to a new office in the Millennium City of India, Gurugram. This is an opportunity for us to expand our presence. We welcome talent from all walks of life to join…
Travelling in India just became easier for foreign visitors with the introduction of UPI One World, a digital wallet designed to enhance convenience and security. This innovative payment solution allows tourists from any country to explore India without the need for cash or complex foreign exchange transactions. Initially launched during last year’s G20 summit hosted by India, the UPI One World wallet is now accessible to visitors from a broader range of countries. Tourists can use the app to make payments at merchant locations by simply scanning QR codes, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Unused balances can be transferred back to…
Mizoram’s Aizawl would be the fourth capital city in the northeast region to come under railway connectivity by July next year as the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) is laying the new Broad Gauge (BG) track up to Sairang, near Aizawl, officials said on Monday. Assam’s main city of Guwahati (adjoining capital Dispur), Tripura capital Agartala, and Arunachal Pradesh’s Naharlagun (adjacent to capital city Itanagar) are already connected with the railway network. NFR officials said that the new Broad Gauge line is being laid in the Bairabi (near Assam’s Hailakandi District) – Sairang (52 km) section in Mizoram’s Aizawl District. “The…
