Joby Aviation eyes India as a launchpad for its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi, driven by the country’s urban congestion and pollution challenges. Founder JoeBen Bevirt envisions India becoming a global leader in this futuristic form of transportation, surpassing other nations. Fueling this ambition is a recent USD 590 million funding round led by Toyota Motor Company, and India’s booming aviation sector, growing at a staggering 11% annually. Bevirt believes electric air taxis can offer “cheap, high-speed, green transportation” by any current options. India’s recent push for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone operations unlocks…
Author: Nishtha Ganesh
Sri Lanka Tourism started a two-city roadshow in India in Mumbai which will be held in Delhi later this month to showcase the best of Sri Lanka, not just about tourism but about experiencing beauty, rich culture and endless adventurer. It facilitated engagement with Tour Operators, Media, Influencers and more. Championed by leading airlines like Sri Lankan Airlines, Indigo, Spice Jet, Air India & Vistara, the roadshow featured insightful networking evenings, fostering valuable partnerships and reshaping perceptions of Sri Lanka. With over 300k Indian visitors in 2023 and 40k so far in 2024, Sri Lanka remains a top choice.…
The Railway Board has unveiled a plan inspired by Balasore’s (Odisha) heritage. Expect intricate arches, ornate facades, and locally sourced materials reflecting Baleswar’s charm. This project carries a price tag of INR 197 crore and promises to serve the needs of 50,000 passengers daily for the next 50 years. Both sides will be connected by an 18-meter wide roof plaza, offering shelter from the elements. The circulating area will be improved, and a covered shed will provide additional comfort. Upgraded waiting halls and the addition of AC lounges will further enhance the travel experience. Movement will be easy with 14…
Luxury Greek resorts level up with brand partnership. Brown Hotels and Hilton recently announced a franchise agreement, bringing two “Isla Brown” hotels in Greece under the Curio Collection by Hilton banner. This move elevates the resorts’ premium and luxurious flair, offering guests unique experiences and access to Hilton’s loyalty programme. The partnership includes the Isla Brown Chania Resort on Crete and the Isla Brown Corinthia Resort & Spa in Agioi Theodoroi. Both remain under Brown Hotels’ management and operation, but will debut as Curio Collection members this spring, ready for the summer season. “Joining the Curio Collection by Hilton…
Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) is ramping up its expansion plans with INR 750-800 crore capital expenditure (capex) allocated for FY25, a significant increase from previous years. This investment will fuel the development of new greenfield properties, marking a shift in focus. Giridhar Sanjeevi, Executive Vice President and CFO at IHCL emphasises investing in “greenfields on top” of renovations, highlighting projects like the stunning Lakshadweep resort and Ekta Nagar property near the Statue of Unity. Additionally, the iconic Taj Malabar in Cochin and Taj Cochin International Airport are set for relaunch and opening, respectively. IHCL’s capex hovered around 4-5% of…
Anoop Bali, the Whole Time Director of Tourism Finance Corporation of India Limited (TFCI), has been recognised for his significant contributions to the Hospitality Industry by HI-AIM (Hospitality Industry – Architecture, Interiors, and Management), a platform within the tourism and hospitality sector. This accolade was presented at the 12th Edition HI-AIM Conference held on February 1st, 2024, at Aloft Hotel, Kathmandu, Nepal. The event, celebrating excellence across various categories, specifically acknowledged individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the hospitality industry. Anoop Bali, with over 33 years of expertise, has a diverse background spanning project…
The recent India Roadshow marked Western Australia’s first promotional event post-pandemic, conducted in collaboration by Tourism Western Australia (WA) and Business Events Perth. Over three days, from February 5-7, 16 WA hotels, attractions, experiences, and Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) showcased their offerings to more than 300 Indian agents in New Delhi and Mumbai. Expressing the significance of the Indian market, Tourism WA Managing Director Carolyn Turnbull highlighted India as one of the fastest recovering markets post-pandemic. The roadshow aimed to strengthen relationships with in-market agents and leverage the potential for substantial growth in WA’s visitor economy. In 2019, India…
Türkiye sustained its growth by hosting 56.7 million international visitors in 2023, reflecting a 10% year-on-year increase. According to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the country’s tourism income surged by 17% year-on-year, reaching $54.3 billion, with an average expenditure per overnight visitor reaching $99. These figures represent record-breaking achievements for Türkiye. Tourism Momentum: In 2023, Türkiye, renowned for its appeal in culture, art, gastronomy, cycling, religious tourism, as well as sun and sand holidays, achieved unprecedented success. Building on this momentum, the country aims to attract 60 million tourists and generate $60 billion in tourism income by…
In a collaboration, Latin America Travel Concept (LATC), a prominent South American DMC, joined forces with Benchmark Travel Representations to successfully conduct their inaugural familiarisation trip for Indian travel trade partners. The focus was on exploring the culturally and naturally rich landscapes of Peru and Bolivia, marking a significant milestone in promoting these South American destinations within the Indian market. The orchestrated expedition, which unfolded in December 2023, featured six esteemed travel companies—Bespoke Journeys, Skyroutes, Chrysalis Holidays, Arunodaya Travels, and Mango Holidays. These select partners embarked on a curated journey aimed at showcasing the diverse leisure opportunities available in…
Participate in the networking and business contracting event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC). Seize the opportunity to connect with key decision-makers, establish new business partnerships, and discover the latest in global travel offerings. Experience a compelling agenda that includes a dynamic 1-day conference and a 2-day business-to-business travel mart, featuring products from around the world. With over 10,000 scheduled business appointments, this event is a must-attend on the travel calendar. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Reserve your spot at PATA Travel Mart 2024 now. Be inspired by industry visionaries at the upcoming PATA Annual…
