Xiamen Airlines signs up Indian rep
Xiamen Airlines has appointed its first General Sales & Service Agent (GSSA) in India.
The airline, which is based in southeast China's Fujian province, will now use Aviareps as…
Oman showcase for Indian agents
Oman Tourism recently conducted the largest familiarization yet and hosted 60 Indian travel agents and tour operators.
The agents were namely from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai,…
Starwood to relocate global HQ to India
Starwood Hotels & Resorts will relocate its global headquarters from the US to India in March 2015, for a month-long initiative intended to bring the company closer to the Indian market.…
Jet connects Kerala with the Gulf
Jet Airways is adding three new routes that will boost connectivity between the state of Kerala and the Gulf region.
In the last quarter of the year, the Indian carrier will introduce…
Boeing unveils Etihad’s first Dreamliner
Etihad Airways' first ever Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner rolled out of Boeing's factory in Seattle, painted with the airline's new livery.
The brand new design was first revealed last week, on…
H1 profits up for Air Seychelles
The first half of 2014 worked out with double digit growth in revenue and passenger volumes for Air Seychelles. The airline posted total revenues of US$50 million (up from US$42 m in…
The latest industry appointments
CHANDRASHEKHAR JOSHI has been appointed general manager of the new JW Marriott Mussoorie Walnut Grove Resort & Spa, which is scheduled to open next month. Joshi, or CJ as he is…
BA suspends Sri Lanka flights
British Airways will cease operating flights to Sri Lanka next year.
The company currently operates services from London to the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, via the Maldives, but from…
DTCM leads tourism delegation to Russia and India
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recently led delegations of Dubai’s tourism industry on overseas trade missions. The objective of the missions was to promote…
Accor brings Novotel brand to Chennai
Accor has opened its first Novotel in Chennai - and in the whole of southern India's Tamil Nadu state.
The new Novotel Chennai SIPCOT is located close to the city's 'Silicon Valley'…
Jet adds international links from regional India
Jet Airways is launching its first ever international services from four regional Indian hubs - Ahmedabad, Goa, Lucknow and Pune.
In a major expansion plan, the Indian airline will…
Asian hotels start to rebound in August
The hotel industry in Asia Pacific started to see a slight rebound in August 2014, following several months of declining occupancy.
According to the latest data from STR Global, the…
Jet to boost India services from Doha
Jet Airways is doubling its daily frequency between Doha and Mumbai and expanding with new services to Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. The second frequency to Mumbai will start…
India gets a taste of Dubai’s tourism portfolio
Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) hosted a B2B road show across five key cities. The event was held with the aim of further increasing number of visitors to…
Jet boosts Dubai route
Jet Airways will increase the number of flights it operates to Dubai next month.
Effective 14 October 2014, the Indian carrier will launch a fifth daily service between Mumbai and…
Brand USA completes India roadshow
Brand USA, the national tourism marketing body, has concluded its third annual India Travel Mission.
Organised from 8-13 September 2014, the event was held across three Indian cities…
Royal Jordanian, Middle East Airlines enter codeshare
Royal Jordanian and Middle East Airlines-Air Liban recently concluded a new free sale codeshare agreement that will be implemented as of the middle of this month.
Under terms of the…
Argentina hosts tourism roadshow in India
Argentina's national tourism board has completed a multi-city tour if India, in an effort to educate the local travel trade and boost arrivals from the country.
The National Institute…
Thomas Cook adds new Maharashtra stores
Thomas Cook India has expanded its nationwide network of travel stores with the launch of two new outlets in the state of Maharashtra.
The travel company unveiled the new 'Golden…
Sixt visits Bangalore agents
Sixt Rent-a-Car recently held a roadshow in Bangalore exclusively for the travel trade.
The event marked the opening of a representative office in Mumbai for the car rental firm,…
Oman prepares mega-fam for Indian agents
Oman Tourism has announced its largest familiarisation trip for Indian agents to date.
The tourism board is due to host 60 Indian travel agents and tour operators from Mumbai, Delhi,…
Jordan promotes MICE tourism in India
Jordan is aiming to tap into the lucrative Indian conference and events market.
The Middle Eastern country's tourism board recently organised a series of 'MICE Evenings' in Delhi and…
Virgin Atlantic drops four services to focus on US
Virgin Atlantic has announced it will stop flights on several routes as it looks to reach sustained profitability by 2018.
The carrier will cancel services from Heathrow to Tokyo…
China, India plan joint bullet train bid
Chinese and Indian companies are working on a joint bid for five high-speed railway projects in India.
The China Daily reports that the Indian conglomerate Tata is in talks with an…
Starwood brings W Hotels to Brisbane
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has signed a contract that will see its W Hotels brand debut in Brisbane.
Scheduled to open in early 2018 as part of a mixed-use development, W Brisbane…
Emirates adds Frankfurt to A380 network
Emirates has launched Airbus A380 services to Frankfurt.
Germany's largest international air gateway becomes the 30th global destination in Emirates' A380 network, which is now…
Ascott signs new Gurgaon property
Ascott Limited has signed a contract to manage its first Somerset-branded residence in Gurgaon.
The new serviced residence is due to open in 2019 and will have 174 units, with the…
BBC documentary peeps into Taj Mahal Palace
A new BBC documentary looking behind the scenes of the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai will be aired on UK television tonight.
‘Hotel India’ will cover four parts from 27 August on BBC2…
TCA Abu Dhabi looks to build India momentum
With India producing the largest number of international hotel guests for Abu Dhabi over the past year, the emirate’s tourism industry is embarking on a five-city roadshow. The event is…
India’s VoA scheme registers growth in July 2014
India’s ‘Visa on Arrival’ scheme has witnessed positive growth for the month of July.
During the month, a total of 2,462 VoAs were issued under this scheme as compared to 1,154 VoAs…
Hospitality transactions accelerate in Asia Pacific
After hospitality trading volumes reached a five year peak in 2013, the momentum has carried forward through the first half of this year.
Akshay Kulkarni, Regional Director of Cushman…
Gujarat Tourism offers operator accreditation
Gujarat Tourism has announced it will offer accreditation and more support for private tour operators and hotel developers looking to offer holidays in the region.
Tourism Corporation…
Jet Airways pens Vietnam codeshare
Jet Airways has signed a new codeshare partnership with Vietnam Airlines, to offer greater connectivity between India and Vietnam.
Under the new agreement, Jet will place its '9W'…
flydubai connects Iran
flydubai has launched flights to Tehran and Mashhad in Iran. Flights to Tehran will begin on 11 August and Mashhad on 10 August.
The airline will serve Iran with four flights a week.…
Oman looks at attracting Indian weddings
Oman is keen to attract the big Indian weddings. This strategy is based on the fact that Oman offers a blend of modern infrastructure and old world charm. Moreover, the destination is…
RJ adopts structuring plan
Royal Jordanian recently announced plans to stop its services to Delhi, Mumbai and Lagos, in light of the airline's restructuring plan, including its route network. The airline will stop…
flydubai embarks on Indian expansion
UAE-based low-cost carrier flydubai is expanding its operations in India with the launch flights to Mumbai.
Commencing on 28 October 2014, the airline will operate five weekly flights…
Royal Jordanian pulls out of India
Royal Jordanian Airlines has confirmed that it will suspend all services to India later this year, as part of its restructuring plan.
Jordan's national carrier currently flies four…
JW Marriott launches new spa brand
JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its new spa brand, Spa by JW.
The first Spa by JW will debut in September 2014 at the new JW Marriott Houston Downtown, followed by the…
The latest industry appointments
ABHISHEK SAHAI has been named as the new general manager of The Leela Palace Udaipur. An hotelier with more than 14 years' experience, Sahai joins the hotel from The Leela Mumbai where…
Starwood continues Bengaluru expansion
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has unveiled the latest stage of its expansion in India, with the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton Bengaluru Whitefield.
Having been converted,…
Jet Airways boosts Sri Lankan services
Jet Airways is expanding its operations in Sri Lanka with the launch of a second daily flight between Mumbai and Colombo.
Set to commence on 5 November 2014, the new service will…
UAE and Oman to represent MidEast at MICE Congress
Companies from the UAE and Oman are representing the Middle East at the MICE India & Luxury Travel Congress at the Palladium Hotel in Mumbai on 24th-25th July.
During the two day…
Bangkok, KL advance in world city competition
The online campaign to find the world's best cities was whittled down to a shortlist of 21 last week, with several Asian cities still in the running.
The 21 finalists of the…
Emirates welcomes 50th A380
Emirates and Airbus have celebrated the delivery of the airline's 50th A380 aircraft.
The milestone comes just six years after the delivery of Emirates’ first A380 in July 2008, and…
Indian travel industry “optimistic” over rail budget
The Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has welcomed the proposals made in this week's rail budget, saying it offers "a lot of optimism to the Indian tourism industry".
Subhash…
Etihad to add Kolkata flights
Etihad has announced plans to launch direct flights to Kolkata.
Commencing on 15 February 2015, the new route will operate daily, direct from Abu Dhabi. This will mark Etihad's 11th…
The latest industry appointments
DOUGLAS MARTELL has been named as Onyx Hospitality Group's new executive vice president and chief operating officer. Martell joins the Thailand-based company with 25 years’ experience,…
The latest industry appointments
DOUGLAS MARTELL has been named as Onyx Hospitality Group's new executive vice president and chief operating officer. Martell joins the Thailand-based company with 25 years’ experience,…
India to seek private rail investment
India is planning to open up its railway sector to private investment.
In his first budget this week, Railways Minister Sadananda Gowda told parliament that he plans to purse…
Jet starts codesharing with Alitalia
Two of Etihad's partner airlines, Jet Airways and Alitalia, have entered into a new codesharing pact for flights connecting India and Italy, via Abu Dhabi.
Jet Airways, which is 24%…
SpiceJet to resume two Dubai routes
SpiceJet has announced that will resume services on two Dubai routes from 21 July 2014.
The Indian carrier launched services to the UAE city from Mumbai and Madurai in June 2012 and…
ADIA witness traffic increment for May
Abu Dhabi International Airport reported a 27.4% increase in passenger traffic for May 2014. A total of 1,633,700 passengers used Abu Dhabi International Airport last May as compared to…
DIA crosses the 5 m mark
Recent statistics for May 2014 report that Dubai International welcomed more than five million passengers. This is despite being reduced to a single runway as the airport’s two runways…
Etihad unveils next stage of Indian expansion
Etihad Airways has unveiled the latest stage of its expansion in India, with the addition of more connections to Kochi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kozhikode and Hyderabad.
The Abu Dhabi-based…
Air NZ, Etihad expand cooperation
Air New Zealand and Etihad Airways have expanded their cooperation with the signing of a major new maintenance deal.
The new arrangement will see the Etihad perform all scheduled and…
India’s bullet train dream moves closer
India's long wait for a high-speed rail network may be coming to an end, as the country's new railway budget is reported to include the potential for two types of bullet train.
The…
UK eases Chinese visa process
Visa processes for the Chinese visiting the UK will be streamlined in new measures announced today by the Home Office.
The government urged to reduce paperwork and red tape to make it…
Australia upgrades visa centres in India
Australia and visa processing company VFS Global have opened three new visa application centres in India, and upgraded a further nine.
At present, travellers from India and Nepal to…
SIA to fly A380 to Beijing
Singapore Airlines will start flying its Airbus A380 to Beijing this summer.
Commencing on 1 August 2014, the new daily service will replace two flights currently operated by smaller…
Hosted buyer applications open for IBTM India
Travel buyers who want to attend IBTM India event can now apply online to be hosted at this year's event.
The second edition of IBTM India, which will take place from 3-5 September…
New SpiceJet livery pays tribute to cabin crew
SpiceJet has taken delivery of a new Boeing 737 aircraft, which has been painted with a special livery dedicated to the airline's cabin crew.
The single-aisle jet, named 'Red Chilli',…
Tata-SIA Airlines to lease 20 aircraft
Singapore Airlines' new Indian venture, Tata-SIA Airlines, will acquire 20 Airbus A320 aircraft from a leasing company with a view to launching operations later this year, it has been…
Etihad Airways gets green signal on Jet Airways codeshare
Etihad Airways has received necessary regulatory approvals to codeshare with Jet Airways. The airline in light of this development has announced a major expansion on 43 additional…
Etihad boosts Indian connections with Jet
Etihad Airways has announced a major expansion of its codeshare agreement with Jet Airways, offering more connections to destinations across India.
The two airlines have obtained…
Emirates boosts India services
India is preparing itself for bigger capacities from Emirates. The airline recently announced its intent to launch a daily A380 service to Mumbai on 21 July.
The EK 500 and EK 501…
India to launch more premium trains
India's Ministry of Railways will expand its premium train services to more tourist destinations this summer.
Following a successful trial of the new high-end carriages, which offer…
Latest India Appointments
JAIDEV DUTTA has been appointed as the new General Manager for Park Plaza in New Delhi. With 15 years of experience, Jaidev has
been associated with Taj Group of Hotels, as well as…
印度捷特航空发布孟买至巴黎航线
印度捷特航空发布了从孟买至巴黎航线，这一全新的服务昨天第一次由法国戴高乐机场起飞，一周飞四次（周四、周五、周六和周日）使用A330空中巴士飞行器。
从2014年6月26号起增加飞行频率，捷特同法国航空将会在代码共享的合作关系下运营航线。
Jet Airways gets Paris bound
Jet Airways has today launched its direct flight between Mumbai and Paris.
The airline will operate an Airbus A330 to Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, four days a week on Thursdays,…
MTDC to revive Fort history
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has planned to revive the state’s fort history.
The tourism board will begin with Sewri Fort in Mumbai as its pilot project.…
The latest industry appointments
MAHA ALI MAISARI has been appointed as the Jumeirah Group's new vice president of corporate strategy. A UAE national, Ms Maisari previously worked with Jumeirah’s parent company, Dubai…
Australia eyes 300,000 Indian visitors by 2020
Tourism Australia is targeting 300,000 to the destination Indian visitors by 2020.
Under the ‘India 2020 Strategic Plan’, the tourism board has identified the main opportunities and…
September launch for Tata-SIA Airlines
New-Delhi based, Tata SIA Airlines is aiming to commence their full-service operations from 1 September 2014.
The airline has received its Air Operators Permit from the Directorate…
AirAsia India ready to fly
AirAsia India is now ready to fly.
The carrier has received its Air Operator’s Permit (AOP) or the flying license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) yesterday…
Etihad to begin India recruitments
Etihad Airways will begin its recruitment drive for cabin crew in Mumbai from 10 May.
The airline is looking for cabin crew, food and beverage managers and qualified in-flight chefs…
Etihad adopts hotel approach with new cabins
Etihad Airways has announced that its Airbus A380s will feature a three-room cabin among its plans to bring a boutique hotel experience to its flights.
The Residence by Etihad will…
MIAL lays foundation for cargo facility
The Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has laid the foundation stone for the new Export Heavy and Bonded
Cargo Facility at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA).…
TCA Abu Dhabi hosts IPL FAM
The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) along with Etihad Airways organised a
familiarisation (FAM) trip surrounding the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2014.
The…
Asian hotel rates fall in Q1
Hotel rates in the Asia Pacific region declined in the first quarter of the year.
Following a 4.1% drop in 2013, the region's average daily rate (ADR) continued to sink in the first…
Starwood plans 100 hotels in India by 2015
Starwood Hotels and Resorts is targeting 100 operational and signed hotels by the end of 2015.
The company's regional director of sales for South Asia, Dhananjay S. Saliankar, told…
Relais & Chateaux to develop India market
Relais & Chateaux, the owner driven hotel and gourmet restaurant association is keen to develop the Indian
market.
Close to 520 hotels and restaurants in 64 countries are…
ADIA to cater for 190 extra weekly summer flights
Abu Dhabi airport will play host to six new destinations and 71 extra flights a week to India this. The number of weekly flights available for business travellers and holiday makers has…
JAL expands Indochina links with Bangkok Airways
Japan Airlines has added more destinations in Thailand and Indochina following the expansion of its codeshare agreement with Bangkok Airways.
The two carriers currently codeshare on…
Wego reveals best hotel beds in India
Wego has revealed the top 10 hotels with best beds, rooms and services in India.
The top 10 rooms are situated in popular destinations like Udaipur, Jodhpur and Jaipur, while…
Marriott opens Courtyard in Bilaspur
Marriott International has strengthened its presence in Central India with the launch of its Courtyard by
Marriott brand in Bilaspur, in the state of Chhattisgarh.
The new…
India extends VoA to South Korea
India has extended the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) facility to citizens of South Korea.
According to a PTI report, the visa facility will be given with a maximum validity of 30 days single…
Oman focuses on new segments in India
In line with its marketing plan for 2014, Oman will focus on promoting weddings, MICE and Film tourism in
the Indian market.
The Ministry of Tourism in Oman along with Al Bustan…
Indian carriers cut Dubai flights
Indian carriers are cutting more than a third of about 275 weekly flights to Dubai as one of the two runways
at the airport will remain shut for nearly three months starting 1 May.…
Jet temporarily moves to Sharjah
In view of the runway closure at Dubai Airport from 1 May-20 July 2014, Jet Airways will operate some of its
flights with a revised timing during this period to and from Sharjah.…
Kuoni-SOTC organise franchisee partner meet
Kuoni-SOTC organised their annual Franchisee Partner Meet 2014 at The Lalit Mumbai.
The event saw participation of 80 franchisee business partners come together from all over India.…
VoA grows 1.70% in Q1 of 2014
The Ministry of Tourism’s (MoT) Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme grew 1.70% during the first three months of
2014.
During January-March 2014, a total number of 5,841 VoAs were issued…
Wonderla Holidays announces IPO
Wonderla Holidays Limited has offered an Initial Public Offering (IPO) of 14,500,000 equity shares of INR10
each for cash at a price to be determined through book-building process in…
SIA confirms A380 operations in India
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will become the first airline to fly the Airbus A380 to India, when new services to Delhi and Mumbai commence next month.
From 30 May 2014, the airline will…
Etihad lands in Jaipur
Etihad Airways commenced its daily service between Jaipur and Abu Dhabi yesterday (o2 April).
The airline will operate this service with an Airbus A320 aircraft in a two-class…
Emirates’ opens second contact centre in Budapest
Emirates announced plans to open a second customer contact centre in Europe. This will be a 300 seat facility in Budapest that will be opened this year. The new initiative will support…
Hilton enters Jaipur
Hilton Worldwide has announced its entry to Jaipur under its flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.
The group has signed a management agreement with Fruitful Buildcon Private…
TAT hosts FAM for Indian wedding planners
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted a familiarisation (FAM) trip for Indian wedding planners
last month.
More than 40 senior executives were invited to undertake a…
CTC conducts training workshops in India
The Canadian Tourism Commission (CTC) recently organised workshop and orientation sessions for travel
agents in Delhi and Mumbai on 18-19 March 2014.
Present at the session were…
Double digit growth for DIA
Dubai International Airport witnessed double-digit passenger traffic growth for the month of February. These statistics were released by operator Dubai Airports.
Passenger traffic…
South Africa tops Emirates’ Africa passenger destinations
South Africa is Emirates’ leading destination for both passenger traffic and as a holiday destination in Africa, the airline has revealed.
“Africa holds such enormous potential for…
Maharashtra taps European market
Maharashtra has tapped the European market by conducting roadshows in Berlin and Milan.
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) recently conducted a roadshow at Indian…
Maharashtra signs MoU with German state
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) and the German federal state of Baden-
Wurttemberg, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the recently concluded…
Face-to-Face: Albert Dias
Albert Dias, Co-Founder, Marketing and Technology Director at Musafir.com chats with Travel Daily India
about the company focus on the Indian market…
Please throw some light on…
MEHAIR conducts seaplane trial near Nashik
The Maritime Heli Air Services Pvt Ltd (MEHAIR) has successfully conducted seaplane trial landings at Mula Dam yesterday.
MEHAIR’s Cessna 206H Amphibian aircraft took off from Juhu…
Airbus promotes A380 in India
Airbus will showcase its A380 in India this week, after the country recently lifted a ban that prevented the double-decker jet operating in the country.
In January this year, India's…
Australia attracts Indian television audience
Australia will showcase Melbourne as a honeymoon destination through primetime television show in India.
Tourism Australia (TA) along with Tourism Victoria (TVIC) and Malaysia…
Qatar Airways promotes USA in India
Qatar Airways in alliance with the US Consulate and Brand USA conducted a multi-city roadshow to promote
USA in India.
The roadshow was organised across six major Indian cities…
Indian arrivals to Hong Kong up 5% in 2013
Indian arrivals to Hong Kong increased 5% in 2013, as compared to 2012.
According to figures released by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), 434,648 Indian tourists visited the…
MTDC organises Strawberry Festival
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has organised a Strawberry Festival in five
cities.
The festival will be held from 1-9 March 2014 in five cities of Mumbai,…
Kuoni launches luxury travel collection
Kuoni India has launched its luxury travel collection in Mumbai.
The Perfect Moments Collection was launched by Mentalist and Supernatural entertainer Lior Suchard at his show at the…
Malaysia plans Indian roadshow
Tourism Malaysia has planned to organise a four-city roadshow in India.
Events will be held from 12-20 March 2014 in cities of Kochi, Bengaluru, Mumbai and New Delhi. This year, the…
DIA begin year with 6.4 m pax
Positive Dubai International started the year with positive numbers, exceeding 6.4 million passengers in January.
According to the traffic report issued by operator Dubai Airports,…
TAT targets niche markets in India
The Tourism Authority of India (TAT) will target niche markets in India.
The tourism board will focus on new segments of travellers like golfers, culture-enthusiasts, voluntourists,…
Portugal conducts India roadshow
Turismo de Portugal conducted a three-city roadshow in India.
The tourism board with a delegate of 20 members held workshop sessions in Bengaluru, Chennai and Mumbai. Through this…
Indian travellers continue to prefer Thailand
Indian travellers continue to visit Thailand, despite the ongoing political strife in the country.
According to the statistics released by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT),…
Fiji concludes India roadshow
Tourism Fiji has successfully completed its three-city Indian roadshow from 3-10 February 2014.
The multi-city roadshow was held in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru with over 350 product…
Indian Railways to introduce premium AC trains
The Indian Railways has decided to run 17 more premium AC-special trains between Delhi and Mumbai.
These additional new trains will ply on busy routes, while the railways will also…
airberlin doubles Abu Dhabi frequency
airberlin will soon introduce a second daily flight between Berlin and Abu Dhabi. The new flight is scheduled to commence on 26 October 2014.
The two airlines will also expand their…
TNZ rolls out new joint initiative in India
Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) has announced its latest joint venture to promote the destination in India.
The joint venture with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and Auckland International…
ASEAN needs to boost air capacity – IATA
Limited capacity at Southeast Asian airports could hinder the region's growth potential, IATA has warned.
Speaking at the inaugural EU-ASEAN Aviation Summit in Singapore this week,…
GrayLine Latin America conducts India roadshow
GrayLine Latin America recently concluded its four-city India roadshow from 27-31 January 2014.
Events were held in cities of New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai, with over 400…
VoA grows 12% in January 2014
India’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) recorded a 12.60% growth in January 2014, as compared to January 2013.
A total number of 1,903 VoAs have been issued during the period, with 465 visas…
Maharashtra to invest in 200 local guides
In a major initiative to boost tourism, the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC), will train
close to 200 locals to be destination guides.
MTDC has appointed Heritage…
Thailand to host Indian roadshow
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) will undertake its annual Indian roadshow this month.
Events will be held in Bengaluru on 10 February, Chennai on 12 February and Ahmedabad on…
Lufthansa to fly A380 to India
Lufthansa is planning to fly its Airbus A380 to India, after rules governing the use of the aircraft were eased last week.
The German national carrier’s vice president for Asia…
TripAdvisor boosts flight insight
TripAdvisor has redesigned its flight search content to provide more insight.
TripAdvisor Flights now includes more details on in-flight facilities and amenities and images from…
Safety watchdog downgrades Indian airlines
Ambitions of global expansion among Indian airlines suffered a major blow last week when the US lowered its aviation safety rating for the country.
The US Federal Aviation…
DGCA withdraws key landing slots at New Delhi
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has withdrawn prime time slots for three domestic airlines at Delhi
airport.
The move comes after these domestic airlines not adhering to…
MV Adonia makes maiden visit at Zayed Port
Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC) welcomed the first time visitor MV Adonia at Zayed Port. The cruise ship is the sixth of ten scheduled maiden calls in the present cruise season.
The…
India lifts A380 ban
India has lifted a ban on international airlines operating the Airbus A380 to the country.
The country imposed the ban on the world's largest passenger jet amid concerns that it would…
Indian visitors to UK up 9%
Indian travellers holidaying in United Kingdom has increased in 2013, despite the depreciating Rupee.
According to the data released by VisitBritan, visits from India to the UK were…
Emirates celebrates India’s 65th Republic Day
Emirates will join Indians around the world in celebrating the country’s 65th Republic day which is being marked today on 26th January 2014.
“Since the launch of our first flights to…
South Africa concludes roadshow on a high note
South African Tourism has concluded its four-city roadshow on a high note in India.
With events in Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai, the tourism board registered over 1,200 Indian…
Indian travellers retain confidence in Bangkok
Indian travellers have retained their confidence in Bangkok as a tourist destination.
The Thai capital continues to be the main destinations of choice for travellers from India with…
MTDC, Philips to light up Gateway of India
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) along with Philips will light up the Gateway of
India on 24 January 2014.
The façade and mast of the monument will be able to…
Queensland roadshow sees record participants
Tourism and Events Queensland which organised a five-city roadshow recently, recorded participation from
500 potential buyers in India.
The roadshow commenced in Chandigarh on 13…
India’s VoA scheme grows 26% in 2013
India’s Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme registered a growth of 26.2% in 2013.
The country issued a total number of 20,294 VoAs between January to December 2013, as compared to 16,084…
Hilton opens first hotel in Bengaluru
Hilton has opened its first hotel in the Indian city of Bengaluru.
The DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Bangalore is a modern upscale hotel located in the southeast suburbs of India's…
Queensland to tap more markets in India
Queensland plans to tap more markets in India.
The tourism board plans to promote the destination among Tier II and III cities in the country. From September 2012 to September 2013,…
Oman hosts FAM for Indian agents
Oman’s Ministry of Tourism, along with Oman Air conducted a familiarisation (FAM) trip for Indian agents.
The group consisted of senior management from tour operators from Mumbai,…
Face-to-Face: Geoffray Maugin
Travel Daily chats with Geoffray Maugin, the global vice president of marketing for Sofitel Worldwide, about his brand's development in the Asia Pacific region...
1. Sofitel So will…
Argentina intensifies India promotions
The National Institute of Tourism Promotion in Argentina (INPROTUR) will intensify its promotion in the
India market this year.
The tourism board will participate at SATTE in New…
Malindo to add more flights to India
Malaysia-based Malindo Air will add six new routes to India this year, giving the 10-month old airline up to 25%
control of the Malaysia-India market.
The airline, established in…
IBTM India confirms 2014 venue
Reed Travel Exhibitions has confirmed the venue for the IBTM India 2014.
The event will be conducted at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai from 3-5 September 2014.
Shinu Pillai, IBTM India…
Etihad Airways launch daily service to Jaipur
Etihad Airways is expanding its operation in India with the launch of a daily service from Abu Dhabi to Jaipur.
The new flights will commence on 1 April 2014, bring the total number…
IITT 2014 to be held next month
The Asian Business Exhibition & Conferences Ltd and ITE Group PLC will jointly organise India International Travel &
Tourism Exhibition (IITT) in Mumbai next month.
The…
Asian revPAR continues to fall
Hotels in the Asia Pacific region continued to experience declining revPAR (revenue per available room) in November 2013.
According to the latest data from STR Global, the region's…
Holiday Inn Express opens in Chennai
InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) has opened its second Holiday Inn Express in India.
The new Holiday Inn Express is now open at Mahindra World City in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. The…
MSC Cruises to debut in Australia
MSC Cruises has revealed plans to bring one of its liners to Australia for the first time.
The 2,550-passenger MSC Orchestra cruise ship will sail from Dubai to Australia in 2015, via…
Thomas Cook launches ‘Shop-in-Shop’ model
Thomas Cook (India) Ltd has launched its ‘Shop-in-Shop’ model in India.
With strategic focus on retail expansion, the tour operator has launched a travel desk at Jaslok Hospital &…
Flanders conducts trade seminars
Visit Flanders conducted three-city educational seminars for the Indian travel trade.
Seminars were conducted in cities of Pune, Hyderabad and Bengaluru with an objective to update…
Etihad adds Jaipur to its India network
Etihad Airways has announced the addition of Jaipur to its growing India network.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier will fly daily services to Jaipur from 1 April 2014. Simultaneously, the…
Tigerair partners SpiceJet for Singapore-India flights
Tigerair has formed a new partnership with Delhi-based low-cost carrier SpiceJet that will expand air connectivity between Singapore and India.
The three-year interline deal kicks off…
VoA grows 26.5% in 2013
India’s Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme registered 26.5% growth from January to November 2013.
A total number of 17,594 VoAs have been issued in this period as compared to 13,903 VoAs…
The latest industry appointments
MICHAEL VAN DER ENDE has been appointed head of OTA (Online Travel Agencies) for the Middle East, Africa and India at Travelport. Michael joins Travelport from dnata Travel (part of the…
Etihad commences major Indian expansion
Etihad Airways has commenced major expansion of its Indian operations, following the approval of 24% investment in
Jet Airways.
The airline will use Abu Dhabi has a global hub…
Musafir.com launches brand campaign in India
Musafir.com, which recently launched its Indian operations, has announced the launch of its first brand campaign in the
country.
In its brand campaign, the company has launched an…
Six Senses expands across six Asian countries
Luxury resort operator Six Senses has unveiled a major expansion drive that will see it add new hotels, clubs and spas in six countries across the Asia Pacific region.
The Bangkok-based…
International schedule expansion for Air Seychelles
Air Seychelles recently announced, subject to regulatory approval, it will launch flights to Paris-Orly as part of an expansion to its international schedule. Plans for an optimised…
Six Senses expands portfolio
Six Senses Hotels Resorts and Spa has announced eight new development concepts and four spa's set to open over the next three years.
The development includes eight new resorts – Six…
Abu Dhabi bullish about Indian market
Abu Dhabi is bullish about the growth prospects from the Indian market.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) will roll out its biggest road show delegation…
Malindo Air gets green light for India flights
Malaysia's Malindo Air has revealed that its planned flights to India will launch before the end of this year.
The Kuala Lumpur-based airline, which is a subsidiary of Indonesia's…
Hilton brings Garden Inn brand to Jaipur
Hilton Worldwide has signed a new management agreement for a Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Jaipur.
The hotel group has signed a contract with Goverdhandham Estate Private Limited for…
HVS India to host HICSA 2014 in April
HVS India will organise its annual Hotel Investment Conference – South Asia (HICSA) at Grand Hyatt Mumbai from 2-3
April 2014.
The two-day conference dedicated to the hospitality…
Monaco taps India market
Monaco is looking at tapping the luxury and MICE segment from India.
The tourism board has recently launched their new MICE campaign stating “Your event needs Monaco” keeping in view…
Jet inks code share agreement with Garuda Indonesia
Jet Airways has signed a code share agreement with Garuda Indonesia and simultaneously launched a reciprocal frequent
flyer programme.
Under the code share agreement, Jet Airways…
Rose Rayhaan by Rotana keen on boosting India presence
A team of general managers from across eight Rotana properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Kuwait are headed for an India sales mission starting today. The three-day sales mission is…
Simone Broekhaar
How has the year panned out for The Chedi Muscat?
The year has been amazing. The Oman Tourism Board has done a fantastic job promoting the destination. We are just 10 years young but…
Four Seasons to boost India portfolio
Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotels will boost its India portfolio.
The group will open three hotel properties in the country by 2018. “We have been looking at India for a long time.…
Maharashtra gets green light for three airports
India’s Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh has given green light to Maharashtra to develop three major airports in the
state.
The airports include Navi Mumbai International Airport,…
VoA registers 31.2% growth in October
The Tourist Visa on Arrival (TVoA) registered 31.2% growth with 1,911 VoAs issued under this scheme in October 2013 as
compared to 1,457 in October 2012.
Between January to October…
Musafir.com pays tribute to Sachin Tendulkar
Musafir.com will pay tribute to Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar during his 200th test match at Wankhede Stadium in
Mumbai.
The online travel portal in association with TABcab will…
Plaza Premium opens in HKIA lounge
Airport lounger operator, Plaza Premium, has opened a new flagship facility at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
Located in the airport’s West Hall, the new 1,390m² lounge will…
India introduces Collective Landing Permits for group tourists
The Indian government has issued an order to introduce Collective Landing Permit for Group tourists.
According to the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, this…
Thirsty Thursday arrives in Pattaya
Travel Daily's world famous networking night, Thirsty Thursday, will arrive in the party town of Pattaya next week.
On Thursday 21 November 2013, members of the Thai and international…
Gulf Air resumes Thiruvananthapuram flights
Gulf Air announced its decision to resume its flights to Thiruvananthapuram with five weekly flights. The resumed service will begin on 15 December 2013. The airline’s decision to resume…
Korea Tourism concludes India roadshow
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Korea Tourism has concluded its two-city road show in Indian cities of New Delhi and Mumbai.
The tourism board held events on 23 October at Hotel Claridges in New…
Hot Air Ballooning comes to Maharashtra
Domestic and international travellers can now experience the thrill of a Hot Air Balloon in Maharashtra.
Sky Waltz along with the government of Maharashtra and Rainbow Riders has…
Thomas Cook India posts Q3 results
Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) has declared its consolidated third quarter results yesterday.
The tour operator has seen an increase in profit from operations of 80% (INR210…
New7Wonders unveils best cities shortlist
The final shortlist has been revealed in the New7Wonders campaign to find the world's best cities.
The 28 finalists have been whittled down from a long-list of 77 cities announced…
MoT launches Walking Tours
The Ministry of Tourism (MoT) in India will introduce ‘Walking Tours’ for visiting tourists.
The ministry has partnered with Genesys International to create a ‘Walking Tours’…
Tourism Australia concludes training programme in India
Tourism Australia has recently concluded its six-city training programme for front line staff of travel agencies in New
Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata.
The…
Italian Destination taps Indian market
Italian Destination, a Milan-based DMC with a special focus on MICE segment is tapping the Indian outbound market.
The company has appointed Candid India as its representative in…
Air Arabia boosts Nagpur flights
Air Arabia has announced an increase in its flights to Nagpur.
Starting 29 October, the airline will fly four times a week between Nagpur and Sharjah. Flights will depart from Nagpur…
Maharashtra, Wakayama state of Japan to promote tourism
Continuing its focus on attracting foreign tourists to the state, Maharashtra Tourism and Wakayama Prefecture of Japan
has signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Mumbai on 9 October.…
India, Japan ink MoU to study high speed railway system
India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to undertake a joint feasibility study of high speed
railway system on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad route.
The MoU was…
Plaza Premium to open HKIA lounge
Airport lounge operator Plaza Premium will open a new facility at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) in November 2013.
Occupying more than 1,300m² in the airport's West Hall,…
Air France to fly to Jakarta
Air France will launch a new daily service to Jakarta next year.
Effective 30 March 2014, the national carrier will add a Jakarta leg to its existing Paris-Singapore service. Flights…
The latest industry appointments
KELVIN TAN has been appointed as Celebrity Cruises' new commercial director for Asia Pacific. Tan moves to Celebrity from the brand's parent company, Royal Caribbean, where he served as…
Etihad purchases Boeing 777-200LR from Air India
Etihad Airways has announced its intention to purchase five Boeing 777-200LRs aircraft from Air India.
The purchase of this longest range passenger aircraft in operation is expected…
Etihad expands with long-range Boeing 777s
Etihad Airways is continuing its fleet expansion with the purchase of five more long-range aircraft.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier has agreed to buy five Boeing 777-200LR aircraft from…
India approves extension of VoA scheme
India will roll out the Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) scheme for 40 more countries.
The government on Monday cleared a slew of measures including the extension of the VoA scheme to 40…
New7Wonders unveils city finalists
New7Wonders has unveiled the list of cities competing for the honour of becoming one of the world's seven best urban centres.
Following its previous New7Wonders of the World and…
Kuoni India celebrates International Day of the Elderly
Kuoni India employees celebrated the International Day of the Elderly.
The employees participated to volunteer at the Help Age India Walkathon held in Mumbai and New Delhi. These…
Air France celebrates 80th anniversary
Air France is celebrating its 80th anniversary today (7 October).
To celebrate the occasion, the airline has announced a special discount offer – Pay 80% of the fare and celebrate…
Brand USA targets one million Indian tourists by 2015
Brand USA is targeting one million tourists from India by 2015.
In the first quarter of 2013, the country has seen a growth of 14.7% and may end the year with a 9% increase. The…
Ethiopian expands to Niamey
Ethiopian Airlines announced the start of four weekly services to Niamey in the Republic of Niger. The new service will commence from 20 November 2013 with a Boeing 757-200 aircraft. The…
Cabinet approves Jet-Etihad deal
India’s Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Jet-Etihad deal.
The Cabinet approved the proposal of Etihad Airways PJSC, United Arab Emirates for subscribing…
Air passengers slow to adopt mobile travel solutions
More than 90% of airline passengers admit to using technology, but only a fraction of flyers use their smartphones to ease the travel process, a new report has found.
According to the…
Visit California continues to build presence in India
Visit California will continue to build its presence in the Indian market.
The tourism board participated in the annual Brand USA India mission for the fifth consecutive year. The…
Dubai commences three-city road show in India
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has commenced its three-city road show in India.
The board completed its first road show in New Delhi (23 September) and…
Etihad concludes major recruitment drive in India
Etihad Airways has concluded its major recruitment drive in India.
The Abu Dhabi-based carrier received more than 1,000 applicants from men and women looking at joining the airline’s…
SIA boosts India network
Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary SilkAir have announced that it will boost its India network from 27 October
2013.
The airline will boost India-Singapore services from…
DTCM conducts three-city India road show
Recent statistics from Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) state that total number of Indian guests for first six months of 2013 stood at 463,175. This represents…
Oman conducts three-city road show in India
The Ministry of Oman recently conducted a three-city road show in Pune, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad.
These road shows were conducted with an aim to educate the tour operators on potential…
Gulf Air: Tapping into India’s tourism potential
India’s travel industry is currently facing mixed reviews about the upcoming travel season. The depreciating Rupee has also seen a flourishing rush in inbound Medical tourism segment.…
Etihad unveils major Indian expansion
Etihad Airways has unveiled a major expansion of its services in India, following its recent investment in Mumbai-based Jet Airways.
The UAE national carrier will increase flight…
Face-to-Face: Welf J Ebeling
Travel Daily talks to Welf J Ebeling, Vice President of Operations in Asia at the Global Business Travel Association
(GBTA) about the launch of its India chapter and the potential of…
VoA continues to grow in 2013
India has registered a 29.4% growth in the number of tourists availing the Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme from January to
August 2013.
A total number of 12,716 VoAs have been…
PIA cuts India flights
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has reduced the number of flights to and from India.
The airline has cut 66% of its flights due to low passenger traffic and shortage of…
Thomas Cook India celebrates Ganesh Utsav
Thomas Cook India celebrated Ganesh Utsav with its key travel agents across Mumbai and Pune.
Spanning across three days, the tour operator engaged with over 90 travel agents, with an…
NYC & Company leads tourism promotion in India
New York’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organisation – NYC & Company will lead a tourism delegation to
Mumbai and New Delhi from 23-27 September 2013.
The…
Carlson Rezidor boosts India portfolio
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has signed 25% of all new deals in India during the second quarter of 2013.
The hotel group has announced the signing of seven new hotels under the brand…
Carlson Rezidor signs seven hotels
Hotel giant Carlson Rezidor has signed seven new properties in the second quarter of 2013. The new hotels will be for its Radisson Blu and Country Inns & Suites by Carlson hotels.…
Abhibus introduces ‘BusMeal’ from Hyderabad
Abhibus.com has introduced ‘BusMeal’ for passengers who book tickets on their site for journeys which originate from
Hyderabad.
The website has partnered with Foody’s, a call…
Qatar Airways ties up with ICICI Bank
Qatar Airways has a partnership with ICICI Bank in India, offering debit and credit card holders discounts in Business and
Economy class.
The new partnership will enable card…
SriLankan Airlines to boost India frequency
SriLankan Airlines is planning to increase its weekly flights from India.
The airline is looking at boosting the frequency from the current 48 to 60 till the year end by adding new…
Avalon Waterways appoints Preferred Partner in India
Avalon Waterways has appointed Pune-based Cruise Club as their Preferred Partner in India. Cruise Club will now
represent Avalon Waterways in the Indian cities of Pune, Bangalore,…
MAS bullish about Indian market
Malaysian Airlines (MAS) is still bullish on India despite the weakening Indian economy and will continue to seek growth
opportunities in the country.
The airline has seen a…
India resolves ICAO safety concerns
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has conveyed that corrective action taken by India has addressed
and resolved Significant Safety Concerns (SCC) relating to…
Singapore launches INSPIRE in India
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched a special MICE reward programme for the Indian market.
The In Singapore Incentives & Rewards (INSPIRE), will cater to the Indian…
Face-to-Face: Shinu Pillai, Project Manager for IBTM India
This week Travel Daily chats with Shinu Pillai, Project Manager of IBTM India about the first tabletop event in
Mumbai, its focus and India growing MICE industry.
1) What is the…
Plaza Premium plans major lounge expansion
Airport lounge operator, Plaza Premium, has announced plans for a major expansion of its global network.
Established in Hong Kong, the company now operates at 27 international…
StayWell opens first hotel in India
Australian hotel management company, StayWell Hospitality Group, has opened its first hotel in India - the Leisure Inn Grand Chanakya Jaipur.
Located on the main MI Road in the…
Qatar Airways ties-up with HSBC in India
Qatar Airways has announced a partnership with HSBC Bank, offering the bank's debit and credit card holder’s discounts
in Business and Economy Class.
The new partnership will…
Marriott International to bring more hotel brands in India
Marriott International plans to launch more brands into India.
The group is looking at introducing the Autograph Collection, currently only present at Bali in the Asia-Pacific…
The latest appointments – India
RAJAN KALRA has been appointed as Associate Director of Sales India, Sun International Hotels and Resorts, Southern Africa at
Outbound Marketing. Since 2008, Kalra worked with the…
Tokyo leads Asia hotel rate growth – HRG
Hotel rates in Asia have risen steadily in 2013, driven by markets in India and Japan, according to a new report by Hogg Robinson Group (HRG).
The travel management company's latest…
Azahar Hamid and Nur Shaffik Haris
The recommencement of Malaysia Airlines services from Dubai, highlights the airline’s strategy for the region. Travel Daily Middle East talks to Azahar Hamid, regional senior vice president…
Zimbabwe hosts first Indian FAM
Zimbabwe Tourism Authority organised its first familiarisation (FAM) trip for Indian agents.
A nine member delegation of tour operators from Mumbai and Delhi toured across Zimbabwe,…
Leh, Goa tops destination choice for I-Day – study
Skyscanner has identified destinations in India that have witnessed significant increase in flight searches for the
upcoming Independence Day (I-Day) long weekend.
The flight…
MoCA to build 17 new airports
The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, K C Venugopal has informed the Rajya Sabha that 17 new airports have been
proposed for construction during the 12th Five Year Plan.
The…
RAK Airways connects Islamabad
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Nepal focuses on West India
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Nepal Association of Tour & Travel Agents (NATTA) Regional Association, Pokhara have jointly organised NATTA Promotion Tour-2013 in Western India.…
‘Khusbhoo Gujarat Ki’ to spread in Maharashtra
Gujarat will spread its ‘Khushboo Gujarat Ki’ campaign in Maharashtra.
The Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited (TCGL) plans to further tap the Maharashtra, as the states…
Tourism tidbits from India
New convention centre in Mumbai
A new convention centre will be developed at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
The Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) has begun work on…
Gujarat to see 20% rise in tourists
Gujarat is expecting a 20% rise in tourists during 2013-14.
“We have seen 13.6% growth in the number tourist visiting Gujarat last year – that is around 2.5 crore. We are…
MILT showcase key Indian MICE trends
The MICE India & Luxury Travel Congress (MILT 2013) has kicked off in Mumbai paving the way to highlight key Indian MICE trends. Key statistics state that the MICE (Meetings, Incentives,…
EAG charts 12% growth in private jet charter activity
Business in the Gulf continues to grow and this is reflected in trends for business jet charter in the region.
Business jet charter bookings have risen 12% over the last year for…
SIA boosts Delhi flights
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will boost its flights to New Delhi this winter.
Starting 27 October 2013, the airline will commence a third daily flight to the capital, running till 29 March…
SIA adds Delhi flights
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will boost its service to New Delhi this winter.
From the onset of the winter schedules on 27 October 2013, the airline will commence a third daily flight to…
Oman goes the Bollywood way
Oman Tourism will promote the destination to Indian travellers through Bollywood.
The destination will feature in the upcoming move, Once Upon A Time in Mumbai Dobaara. To promote…
BA launches students offer
British Airways (BA) has launched its student promotional offer for destinations to UK, US, Canada and select European
destinations.
The offer allows Indian students flying with…
Gujarat may start cruise service by year end
Gujarat may start a cruise liner service between Mumbai and Porbandar by the end of this year.
“The plan is to introduce a cruise ship, to be run by a private operate which will take…
Cox & Kings plans major expansion
Cox & Kings has charted a major expansion plan globally.
The group said it will invest over US$205.4 million (INR1,230 crore) in the next four years for its global expansions.…
VoA numbers up 23% in June
The number of Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) tourists increased 22.9% in June 2013, as compared to June 2012.
Last month, India issued a total of 1,062 VoAs, as against 864 in June 2012.…
The latest industry appointments
HUGO MONTANARI has been appointed as the Director of Operations at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore. In this role, Montanari will have the
responsibility of the operations of the entire…
Andhra Pradesh taps Maharashtra market
Andhra Pradesh is looking at tapping tourists from Maharashtra.
The tourism department plans to promote lesser-known destinations in Andhra Pradesh, especially the coastline and…
Indonesia conducts sales mission in India
Indonesia concluded a three city road show in Chennai, Pune and Mumbai from 1-5 July 2013.
The delegation was led by Iyung Masruroh, Deputy Director of Promotion for Asia Region at…
South Africa starts training programme
South African Tourism has commenced its offline training programme in India.
The fourth module of ‘Learn South Africa’ for frontline staff in India will start from 8 July and…
Air India sets date for Delhi-Birmingham
Air India has announced the launch of new flights between Amritsar-Delhi -Birmingham from 1 August 2013.
The new flight will operate on the Amritsar-Delhi-Birmingham-Delhi-Amritsar…
AirAsia to ask for Indian runway extensions
AirAsia will ask Indian authorities to extend runways at smaller airports to accommodate its fleet of Airbus A320s.
Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported AirAsia's group CEO, Tony…
India to promote lighthouse tourism
India will promote lighthouse tourism among domestic and international visitors.
Dr K Chiranjeevi, Union Minister for Tourism after holding discussion with G K Wasan, Minister for…
India approves 50 new low cost airports
India has approved 50 new low cost small airports.
The low cost airports will be build by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
India’s Civil Aviation sector will also see…
Indonesia plans sales mission next month
Indonesia Tourism will hold its sales mission to India next month.
Road shows will be held in cities of Chennai, Pune and Mumbai from 1-5 July 2013. The Indonesian delegation will be…
Abu Dhabi records best ever May for hotel stays
Abu Dhabi’s 146 hotels and hotel apartments boasted “best ever’ May results with near across-the-board growth in key performance indicators, according to official figures.
Growth was…
IndiGo plans Ranchi flights
IndiGo Airlines is planning to start flights to Ranchi from August.
According to sources at Birsa Munda Airport, the airline will launch Ranchi-Mumbai service in the first week of…
Jet commences Kochi-Abu Dhabi
Jet Airways has commenced its weekly flights between Kochi and Abu Dhabi.
Kochi is the first city in South India that the airline is connecting to Abu Dhabi. Currently, it flies 11…
TAT outlines DISCO strategy
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has outlined a DISCO strategy for 2013.
The DISCO strategy comprises Digital Marketing, Image Building, Sustainability, Crystallisation &…
Etihad goes double daily to KL
Etihad Airways will add a second daily flight to Kuala Lumpur next month.
From 15 July 2013, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier will double the frequency of the route to two flights per day,…
Air France-KLM, Jet Airways sign code-share
Air France-KLM and Jet Airways have signed a code-share agreement.
The codeshare agreement enables Air France to market flights under AF flight number to key Indian cities beyond…
More Asian airports join carbon scheme
Three more airports in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions have become 'Airport Carbon Accredited', under a scheme operated by Airports Council International (ACI).
Adelaide…
Air India plans Africa flights
Air India will soon resume direct services to Africa.
“There are plans to start services to Africa soon. There is a huge potential in the sector due to growing traffic between India…
MIAL conducts emergency drill
Mumbai International Airport Pvt Ltd (MIAL) and Air India jointly conducted an emergency exercise -
‘Operation Vijay’ at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA), Mumbai.…
VoA scheme grows 37% in May 2013
India’s Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) scheme registered a 37.2% growth in May 2013 as compared to May 2012.
Last month, a total of 1,114 VoAs were issued as compared to 812 during May 2012.…
California educates Indian agents
Visit California has conducted educational seminars in Tier I and Tier II cities in India.
These educational seminars were held in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru,…
Belgium opens Ahmedabad visa centre
The State of Belgium and VFS Global have opened a new visa service centre in Ahmedabad.
Karl Van den Bossche, consul general of Belgium in Mumbai inaugurated the new centre located at…
Hilton brings luxury brands to Asia Pacific
Hilton Worldwide has unveiled a major expansion of its luxury brands in Asia Pacific.
The company is planning a significant roll-out of its Waldorf Astoria and Conrad brands in the…
Italy re-opens India office
The Italian State Tourist Board (ENIT) has re-established its presence in Mumbai by opening a new office.
The new office of ENIT was inaugurated by HE Daniele Mancini, the Ambassador…
Manila sees hotel development surge
Manila has seen the strongest increase in new hotel development of any city in the Asia Pacific region in the past 12 months.
According to the latest regional hotel pipeline report…
India to conduct road shows in Saudi Arabia
India will conduct tourism road shows in Saudi Arabia later this month.
The campaign revolving around the theme ‘Find What You Seek’ will be held in Jeddah on 19 May followed by…
Visa-on-Arrival continues to grow
India’s Visa-on-Arrival scheme continued to grow in April 2013.
The scheme registered a growth of 23.5% in April 2013 as compared to April 2012. During the month, a total number of…
Ezeego1.com opens Srinagar franchise
Ezeego1.com has opened its franchise store in Srinagar.
This new franchise marks the entry for the online travel search site in North India. The franchisee is in the name of String…
India to develop aviation hubs
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) is looking at the development of aviation hubs in India.
Minister for Civil Aviation, Ajit Singh informed that the government has approved the…
Indian air connectivity to grow
The Indian government has recently granted traffic rights to Indian scheduled carriers for operations on new international
routes.
These routes include flights between…
Tune Hotels enters India
Tune Hotels has opened a new hotel in Ahmedabad, marking the budget accommodation brand's Indian debut.
The Tune Hotel Ahmedabad launched this month at the new 4D Square Mall in the…
Indians to Thailand up 15%
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced an increase in Indian tourist arrivals to the country.
The country has registered an increase of approximately 15% during the…
Carlson Rezidor continues Asian growth
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group continued to expand its Asia Pacific portfolio in the first quarter of 2013, with the opening of two more hotels and the signing of three others.
The…
Panambur ramps up tourist facilities
Panambur, a beach located near Mangalore plans to ramp up tourist facilities for the upcoming summer holidays.
The Panambur Beach Tourism Development Project (PBTDP) is gearing up to…
Jet Airways, SAA ink code-share
Jet Airways and South African Airways (SAA) announced a code-share agreement enhancing connectivity between India and South Africa.
Under the code-share arrangement Jet Airways will…
Ethiopia sets up tourism office in India
Ethiopia is setting up a tourism office in India.
The tourism office will attract Indian outbound travel to the campaign. “We have all forms of tourism in Ethiopia, be it historical,…
Belgium extends visa service in India
The Belgian State has extended its Visa Application Centre to four new locations in India.
With commercial partner VFS Global, the visa services are now extended to Ahmedabad and Pune…
VoA registers 63% growth
The Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) scheme registered a growth of 63% in March 2013.
A total of 2,107 VoAs were issued as compared to 1,287 VoAs issued during March 2012.
Last month, the…
Ethiopian eyes more Indian routes
Ethiopian Airlines is eyeing new routes in India.
The carrier plans to start direct flights from metros and tier-two cities to tourist destinations in Africa. The airline which…
Jordan organises Indian agents FAM
Jordan Tourism Board in India recently organised a familiarisation trip for Indian travel agents.
The group visited destinations like Petra, Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Ammam and Aqaba. The…
Jet Airways enhances transit facilities
Jet Airways has enhanced the transit facilities for international passengers at Mumbai airport.
The Mumbai airport operator has assigned gate numbers 4 and 5 in the security…
Adlabs Imagica opens next week
Adlabs Imagica, the theme park located on the Mumbai-Pune expressway will open to public from 18 April 2013.
The park will offer visitors a special entry rate from 18-30 April 2013.…
Thirsty Thursday returns to Cardiff, London
Travel Daily Media’s Thirsty Thursday events will return to the UK in two weeks’ time to Cardiff and London.
The regular networking events will kick off for the year in Wales with…
Asian aviation briefs
Garuda profits surge
Garuda Indonesia achieved a strong set of financial results in 2012, with a sharp rise in net profits compared with the previous year. The national carrier…
Goibibo.com launches Travel Premier League
Goibibo.com has launched the Travel Premier League (TPL).
The TPL will allow to cash on the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) and offer travellers up to 90% discount on air…
FACE-TO-FACE: Mbuvi Ngunze, Kenya Airways
Today, Travel Daily chats with Mbuvi Ngunze, Chief Operating Officer of Kenya Airways about China, Dreamliners and Africa’s ‘peace dividend’…
Q) Kenya is currently expanding in…
Virgin Atlantic’s domestic services start
Virgin Atlantic launched its domestic services under the Little Red brand at Edinburgh Airport today.
Founder Richard Branson was on hand at the Scottish airport to reveal its ‘stiff…
Apeejay Hotels enters mid-market segment
Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels has announced its foray into the mid-market segment with the launch of ‘Zone by The Park’.
The group is eyeing approximately 20-25 properties in the…
Starwood to triple Indian hotel portfolio
Starwood Hotel and Resorts Worldwide plans to triple its Indian hotel portfolio.
The hotel group plans to touch 100 properties by 2015-16, a senior executive of the company stated.…
Adlabs Imagica partners with tour operators
Adlabs Imagica has tied up with Indian tour operators as a part of the travel and trade programme to maximize tourist footfalls to its theme park.
While the engagement with the…
AirAsia incorporates Indian venture
Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia has incorporated a company in India with the filing of all requisite documents with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
The venture, AirAsia (India)…
MTDC launches information kiosks
The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) inaugurated its first electronic information kiosk at Nariman Point, Mumbai.
MTDC plans to set up 300 such kiosks at various…
Asian hotel rates take a dive
Hotels in the Asia Pacific region have seen a dramatic decline in room rates in 2013.
According to the latest data from STR Global, provided exclusively to Travel Daily, average daily…
European airports attract Indian airlines
European airports are looking at attracting Indian airlines to fly to their destinations.
Airports like Amsterdam, Dublin, London, Gatwick and Munich are attracting Indian airlines…
Starwood to double W Hotels in Asia
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to double its portfolio of W Hotels in Asia Pacific, expanding to 20 properties by the end of 2018.
The brand was recently launched…
Air India withdraws 10 routes in three years
Air India has withdrawn 10 direct flights to international destinations in the last three years.
The discontinuation of flights is mainly due to poor passenger load. The airline…
Gateway of India goes green
The Gateway of India in Mumbai was illuminated green to celebrate St.Patrick’s Day on 17 March 2013.
Other ancient wonders of the world like the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt; the Christ…
Air India launches advance purchase fare
Air India has introduced a 60-day advance purchase fare (Apex) scheme, aimed at the leisure and holiday market.
The initiative, launched just before the start of the summer holidays,…
CSIA receives ISO 14064-1:2006
The Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) managed by Mumbai International Airport Pvt. Ltd. (MIAL) has received the ISO 14064-1:2006 certification for its Carbon Emissions…
VoA registers 54% growth last month
The Visa-on-Arrival (VoA) scheme registered a 54.6% growth in February 2013.
The country issued a total of 1,974 VoAs as compared to 1,259 VoAs during the month of February 2012. The…
India approves Flexible Use of Airspace
NHLAPB to be set up as the first step for implementation of FUA…
The Indian government has approved Flexible Use of Airspace (FUA) by civil and military users. The green light was…
TEQ, SIA launch Go Beyond campaign
Tourism & Events Queensland (TEQ), in partnership with Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced the 2013 summer campaign - Go Beyond.
Launched by former Australian cricketer Matthew…
Starwood relocates global headquarters to Dubai
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc will soon begin a month-long relocation of its global headquarters from Stamford, CT to Dubai.
From now until 5 April, Starwood president and…
Abu Dhabi’s hospitality industry witnesses growth
Abu Dhabi's hospitality industry got off to a positive 2013 start with figures just released by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi).
As per statistics, January…
Kingfisher loses international slots
Kingfisher Airlines has lost all its international traffic rights, with immediate effect.
India's Minister of Civil Aviation, Ajit Singh, confirmed the decision this week, saying that…
Indian carriers receive new A320s
Two Indian low-cost carriers, GoAir and IndiGo, have taken delivery of new Airbus A320 aircraft.
Mumbai-based GoAir received the 14th of an order for 20 A320s this week, but the latest…
Asian hotels make small gains in 2012
The Asia Pacific hotel sector experienced limited growth in terms of rates and occupancy in 2012, according to full-year data provided by STR Global.
Last year, the region's occupancy…
Kingfisher pilots threaten winding-up petition
Mumbai-based pilots of Kingfisher Airlines served the carrier an ultimatum to clear their dues by January 31 or face another winding-up petition.
The pilots gave the ultimatum at a meeting…
Swissôtel to launch Goa resort
Swissôtel Hotels & Resort will soon launch its first resort in the Indian coastal state of Goa.
Scheduled to welcome its first guests in the first quarter 2013, the Swissôtel Goa is…
Abu Dhabi opens destination promotion office in India
Abu Dhabi has opened a destination representation office in India to serve the high potential Indian market.
The Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) move comes as…
SIA to refit B777 cabins
Singapore Airlines (SIA) will invest nearly SG$95 million (US$78m) to refit the cabins of 10 Boeing 777-200ER aircraft.
The airline said the upgrade programme was intended to provide…
On The Deck: Kevin Griffin
You have been in the industry for a long time. How did you get interested in the cruise sector?
I was born in the UK and emigrated to Canada as a young boy, something that started my…
Jet Airways expands codeshare with Etihad
Jet Airways has expanded its codeshare agreement with UAE’s Etihad Airways.
With this agreement, Jet Airways will place its codeshare on Etihad’s flight operating out of Abu Dhabi to Paris…
Air India launches new CMS
Air India has initiated the launch of its new Computerised Management System (CMS) for cabin crew.
The new CMS will be deployed on both wide body and narrow body aircraft. The CMS features…
Dubai to get a boost from US$2.7bn entertainment complex
Dubai has unveiled plans to build a massive entertainment complex in Jebel Ali that will boast five theme parks in the latest of a string of new developments aimed at boosting the emirate's…
Jumeirah Group to expand into India
Jumeirah Group has signed a management agreement to operate a luxury hotel in central Mumbai, India.
The hotel is part of a major new development in the Lower Parel district of the city…
The latest industry appointments – Asia
ADWIN CHONG has been appointed General Manager of the Crowne Plaza Danang. Chong brings more than 25 years' experience to the role, several of which have been spent with IHG. He was…
Asian aviation briefs
VietJet adds Vinh flights
VietJet Air has commenced flight to Vinh, in north-central Vietnam. The new direct route from Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) will be operated daily using VietJet's…
MoCA approves more traffic rights
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has approved more traffic rights.
These rights are approved to Indian carriers for three seasons beginning winter 2012. The new allocations are…
Air India starts Varanasi-Hyderabad
Air India has introduced a daily flight connecting Hyderabad and Varanasi via Mumbai and Delhi with an Airbus A319.
The new flight AI695 will depart Hyderabad at 0635 reaching Mumbai…
VoA up 18% in October
India registered 18.1% increase in Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme for October 2012 as compared to the previous year.
The country issued a total of 1,457 VoAs last month as compared to…
AAI to infuse more equity
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will invest around INR 410 crore at Mumbai and New Delhi airports.
Ajit Singh, Minister for Civil Aviation in India is yet to decide on the final…
Marriott to double India portfolio
Marriott International will double its India’s hotel portfolio in the next few years.
Currently, 23 hotels are under construction and the company is likely to grow from 15 hotels to…
ANA launches Delhi-Tokyo
Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) has launched its Delhi-Tokyo flights.
The first daily flight NH917 left Tokyo on 28 October with the Boeing 767 aircraft. The Delhi-Tokyo route is airline…
Hyatt to manage Ista Hotels in India
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced that five Ista Hotels in India will take the Hyatt name.
Hyatt’s affiliate has signed management agreements with IHHR Hospitality Private Limited…
SeaDream announces Amazon and Asia voyages
SeaDream Yacht Club has announced its 2013 Amazon and Asia voyages which will both be taking place onboard the SeaDream II.
The 112-guest vessel – which boasts 95-crew – was rated by the…
Bollywood Tourism launches ‘The Big Boss Tour’
One can now view all the drama and action, live from the Big Boss Season 6 studio in Lonavala, Maharashtra. Bollywood Tourism, the company that promotes the Bollywood segment has introduced…
MoCA addresses concern on ground handling policy
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has addressed concerns with the new ground handling policy with a meeting with the airline representatives.
Civil Aviation Minister, Ajit Singh…
Accor to boost Sofitel brand in Asia
Accor is planning a major expansion of its luxury Sofitel brand in Asia Pacific over the next few years.
According to the Sofitel's Senior Vice President for Asia Pacific, Markland…
Orthodox Cruises – Day Eight – Moscow
Cruise News UK goes on tour with Orthodox Cruises as the ms Anton Chekhov sails from Saint Petersburg to Moscow. This is the final instalment in a series of articles aimed at describing,…
Air Astana gears up India initiatives
Air Astana has strategic plans for the India market.
The airline plans to increase services in a bid to augment tourist numbers. Talking to Travel Daily Middle East, Janar Jailauova,…
No ADF at Chennai and Kolkata airports – MoCA
The AERA to only determine UDF, landing and parking charges at Chennai and Kolkata airports…
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has directed Airports Authority of India (AAI) to not levy…
Airline passengers prefer to go mobile
Airline passengers want more self-service and mobile-based offerings to help ease their journeys, according to new study.
This year's Passenger Self-Service Survey, jointly conducted by…
Indian Railways adds festival trains
To add 4,000 special trips to handle holiday rush between October-November…
The Indian Railways will boost train services during the upcoming festival season. More than 4,000 trips of…
Wyndham signs 12 new hotels in India
Announces the launch of extended stay Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham brand in India...
Wyndham Hotel Group has signed 12 new hotels in India. The group has also announced the launch of extended…
Howard Johnson to launch in Indonesia
Wyndham Hotel Group has announced plans to launch its upscale Howard Johnson brand in Indonesia.
The US hotel company will roll-out three Howard Johnson properties in the country, across…
SeaDream Yacht Club to debut in Asia
SeaDream Yacht Club has released details of its first ever season sailing in Asia and northern Australia.
Following the completion of its 2013 Mediterranean season, the company's SeaDream…
Maldivian announces Chennai launch
Maldivian has announced the launch of Chennai services from 15 November 2012. The airline will connect the island capital of Male from Chennai three times a week on Tuesday, Thursday and…
Air France-KLM introduces SkyPriority in India
AirFrance-KLM has introduced SkyPriority service in India. The airline will offer this service to Elite Plus, First, Business Class and Premium Economy class passengers in Delhi, Mumbai and…
Kingfisher staff goes on strike
Passengers flying or booked on Kingfisher Airlines were stuck in aircrafts and airports across the country on Sunday (yesterday) when the airline’s engineers went on a flash strike. The…
Maharashtra to focus on wildlife tourism
Maharashtra will focus on wildlife tourism in the state. The Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) has organised a photo exhibition on wild life in Maharashtra. Starting 27…
MTDC to celebrate World Tourism Day
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) will celebrate World Tourism Day on 27 September. The state will offer free entry to tourists at water park in Karla. The guests visiting…
Mehrangarh Fort tops tourist attractions in India
Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur tops the list of tourist attractions in India as per TripAdvisor reviews. The travel website listed the top 15 Indian historic and landmark sites most loved by…
Oman gets on the Bollywood bandwagon
Bollywood has been successfully used by many a tourism board to promote tourism through films, riding on this trend is the Sultanate of Oman. The Ministry of Tourism, Oman recently…
Asian hotel sector stagnates
The hotel sector in Asia Pacific remained flat in August, with a small rise in average rates offsetting a marginal drop in occupancy levels.
According to the latest data from STR Global,…
Rail Europe to conduct training programme
Travel agents across India will get a chance to learn more about Rail Europe products. Rail Europe India will conduct a series of training programmes for retail agents, global sales agents…
India’s VoA up 90%
For the month of August 2012, India issued 1,750 visa under its Visa on Arrival (VoA) scheme. The country registered 90.2% growth as compared to 920 visas issued in August 2011. During the…
IATO convention addresses industry issues
The 28th Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) annual convention which was held from 30 August - 2 September at The Trident Mumbai saw participation from 700 delegates. The two day…
IndiGo adds more flights
IndiGo Airlines has announced four new additional flights from Mumbai.
Starting 10 September, the airline will operate its third direct daily on Mumbai-Ahmedabad and Mumbai –Goa route.…
Thailand offers visa in 24 hours
Mumbai travellers can now make sudden plans to travel to Thailand. Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) has announced that henceforth applicants that submit their documents for Thailand…
Hotel prices up 12% in India
India’s average room rates (ARR) rose 12% in first six months of 2012.
According to the data revealed by Hotels.com, hotel prices in Chennai rose 11%, Mumbai prices were up 7% while prices…
India, Maldives discuss aviation cooperation
India and Maldives are looking at enhancing cooperation in the civil aviation sector, including increasing air links between Indian cities and Male. A delegation led by Maldives Minister of…
South Africa begins second road show
South African Tourism has commenced its second four city road show in India.
The tourism board along with 25 suppliers will travel to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, New Delhi and Kolkata starting 3…
Atout France announces new campaign
Atout France has announced a special marketing campaign titled “Be There, Do That!” starting next year in India. Commenting on the new campaign Catherine Oden, Director of Atout France in…
Maharashtra plans aviation tax reduction
The Maharashtra government is planning to the reduce sales tax component on aviation turbine fuel (ATF). The state is currently working on a proposal to lower sales tax and bring it on par…
CKGS opens visa application centres across India
Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) has begun processing Schengen Visa and Residence Permit applications on behalf of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in India.
Under the agreement, CKGS…
Kingfisher pilots strike indefinitely
A decision taken by Mumbai-based pilots to strike indefinitely from today could spell the end for Kingfisher Airlines.
"Mumbai-based pilots have decided to go on a strike from Wednesday…
Travelport trials GDS airport transfer bookings
Travelport is trialling a new service which will allow travel agents to book private car transfers via the GDS.
Targeting selected Galileo-connected travel agents in Asia, the new…
Cathay to launch Hyderabad flights
Cathay Pacific Airways will expand its presence in India later this year with the launch of a new service to Hyderabad.
Commencing on 1 December 2012, flights will operate four times a week…
Indian hotels continue to struggle
India's hotels continued to struggle through July according to the latest statistics released by STR Global.
Average daily rates (ADR) in Delhi (-27.3% to US$112) and Mumbai (-22.1% to…
Asian hotel market slows
The hotel market in Asia Pacific showed signs of slowing in July, as revenue per available room (revPAR) declined for the first time since October 2009.
According to the latest monthly data…
Jet Airways enhances Gulf connections
Jet Airways will radically enhance connectivity to the Gulf region with the introduction of additional services in October.
From 18 October, the carrier will launch its new Mumbai-Sharjah…
Re:gen:ta One opens in Hyderabad
Royal Orchid Hotels has opened its upscale brand Re:gen:ta One hotel in Hyderabad.
The five-star hotel, located in the IT cluster at Gacchibowli, has 158 rooms, and a banquet hall which is…
South African Tourism announces September roadshow
South African Tourism has announced the dates for its second road show in India.
The September road show will be held across four cities, beginning on 3 September in Mumbai, then…
Further cancelations for Kingfisher
Seven Kingfisher flights from Mumbai were cancelled on Saturday due to a pilots strike over unpaid salaries.
"A section of Mumbai-based pilots have gone on strike due to repeated failure…
Indian carriers target connecting passengers
With a lack of network coverage among airlines from neighbouring South Asian countries, Indian airlines are now looking to cash-in on sixth freedom rights by flying passengers from Nepal,…
Boeing delivers Africa’s first Dreamliner
Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines have celebrated the delivery of the airline's first B787 Dreamliner.
The companies took part in a handover ceremony at the US planemaker's factory in…
Thiruvananthapuram tipped to join TVoA scheme
In addition to Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, Tourist Visas on Arrival (TVoA) are soon expected to be available at Trivandrum International Airport, making it the fifth port of entry at…
India unprepared for aviation boom
India is not prepared to meet the development challenges required to satisfy the infrastructural needs of its fast-growing aviation sector.
According to a new report by the Centre of Asia…
Louvre Hotels eyes half century
Louvre Hotels on Monday announced the opening of its 'Royal Tulip' in Navi Mumbai, and aims to double its portfolio to 50 within three years.
"At present we have 1,000 rooms spread across…
MAS adds frequency as demand rises
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is increasing flight frequencies from Kuala Lumpur to three Indian cities, in response to growing passenger demand.
Form 1 September, the carrier will introduce…
Key Hotels signs six new properties
Mid-market hotel chain, Keys Hotels, last week signed six new properties as it actively pursues more opportunities across the country.
The six new hotels include the Keys Hotel Rosewood in…
Kingfisher chief makes stark warning to strikers
Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, Vijay Mallya, has threatened to halt support for the airline if staff members continue to disrupt services with strike action.
In an open letter published…
Virgin Atlantic taps New York demand
Virgin Atlantic will adjust its flight schedule from 28 October, offering streamlined connections on flights from Delhi to New York’s John F Kennedy airport via London Heathrow.
The new…
346 hike threatens Delhi hub status
Lufthansa boss in South Asia has warned authorities that the 346% hike in airport charges at New Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport will threaten its status as an aviation hub.…
Airline briefs 06Aug12
Some headlines from the airline industry
Virgin Atlantic posts £80m loss
Virgin Atlantic has posted a pre-tax group operating loss of £80.2 million in its annual results ending 29…
Virgin Atlantic posts £80m loss
Virgin Atlantic has posted a pre-tax group operating loss of £80.2 million (US$125m) in its annual results ending 29 February.
The airline blamed the economy, high fuel prices and the…
Jet introduces early check-in from Muscat
Jet Airways has introduced early check-in facility from passengers travelling from Muscat to Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai.
“Our early check-in facility in Muscat will be useful for the…
Lalit Sheth commits suicide
A veteran and industry stalwart, Lalit Sheth, owner of Raj Travels in Mumbai allegedly commited suicide. News reports have mentioned several facts which are yet to be confirmed. Shree Raj…
CKGS starts Norwegian visa centre
Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) has announced the start of its Schengen Visa & Residence Permit Application centres for the Royal Norwegian Embassy in India. As a part of the…
IATA urges India to end aviation crisis
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has urged India’s aviation sector to adopt an “India Inc” approach to resolve the ongoing crisis and improve competitiveness in the sector.…
TCIL taps medical tourism
Thomas Cook (India) Ltd (TCIL) is looking at tapping the medical tourism segment in India. By the end of 2012-13, the tour operator plans to launch its medical tourism initiative in the…
Asian airfares and hotel rates to rise in 2013 – CWT
India’s average daily rates are expected to decrease 3.5-5% in next year…
Average airfares and hotel rates in the Asia Pacific region are expected to see moderate growth next year,…
Grand Hyatt Kochi to open in 2017
Hyatt has announced that the Grand Hyatt Kochi will open in the first quarter of 2017. Located on Bolgatty Island, the hotel will offer 250 rooms
with other facilities including a…
ASEAN likely to get more flights to Delhi
The Indian Government could allow airlines from the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) to initially operate unlimited flights between their capital cities and New Delhi The…
Maharashtra receives 4.8 million tourists
Maharashtra has topped the list in number of foreign tourists visits to India in 2011. The state received nearly 4.8 million tourists, followed by Tamil
Nadu with 3.4 million tourists and…
Worldhotels adds Hyderabad hotel
The Worldhotels has added a business hotel in Hyderabad to its current portfolio. Located in the posh locality of Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, The
Golkonda Hotel offers 140-room along with…
Wego.com signs with Etihad
Wego.com has signed a global partnership agreement with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates.
The deal gives Wego's users full access with last seat availability…
AI city flights most delayed
Air India (AI) has recorded the worst on-time performance for flights that departed from Mumbai airport in June. Out of 1,319 flights only 967 flights departed on time. The national carrier…
Virgin Atlantic eyes mid and short-haul flights
Virgin Atlantic has announced plans to move into the mid and short-haul flight market with new services to Moscow.
The traditionally long-haul carrier is hoping to launch flights to the…
MAS adds India daytime flights
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has unveiled plans to launch new daytime flights to India.
From 1 September 2012, the carrier will complement its current daily evening flights between Kuala Lumpur…
Passenger increase for Jet Airways
Jet Airways has seen a 16% increase in passengers in its latest full-year results.
The Indian-based carrier saw its profits up £135 million with its load factors at 83% for the last…
SATTE to grow 15% in 2013
South Asian trade show SATTE will be 15% larger next year, organisers have announced. The show will extend to three days of exhibiting and two days of setup in Delhi, before moving to the…
Kenya Airways announces schedule changes
Kenya Airways has announced changes to its summer schedule. The airline has introduced a new direct flight to Dubai which will operate three times a week with late evening departures from…
Asian hotel rates cool
The rise of hotel room rates in the Asia Pacific region saw a marked slowdown in May 2012.
According to the latest data from STR Global, the region's average occupancy level increased 2.3%…
AirAsia X touches down in Beijing
AirAsia X has launched its inaugural flight to Beijing. The low-cost carrier touched down in the Chinese capital on Saturday (23 June), following a flight from Kuala Lumpur.
The airline…
JAL, MAS form extensive codeshare partnership
Japan Airlines (JAL) and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) have signed a new codeshare agreement.
From 1 July 2012, JAL will place its ‘JL’ flight code on MAS-operated flights between Kuala Lumpur…
Africa news round-up 6/6/12
SAA scraps direct Cape Town flights
South African Airways (SAA) is to stop flying direct to Cape Town from 16 August. The airline announced it is to fly to the city via Johannesburg or…
Airline briefs 05/06/12
bmi Regional completes sale
bmi Regional is to continue operating flights from Manchester and East Midlands after its sale to Sector Aviation Holdings was completed last week. Forty jobs…
SAA scraps direct Cape Town flights
South African Airways (SAA) is to stop flying direct to Cape Town from 16 August.
The airline announced it is to fly to the city via Johannesburg or Tambo International Airport using larger…
China Southern sponsors Australian cricket event
China Southern Airlines has made its first foray into Australian sport, becoming the major sponsor of a new cricket tournament.
The China Southern Airlines Tournament, a new Twenty20…
Kenya Airways starts Delhi-Nairobi
Kenya Airways has commenced operations on the Delhi-Nairobi route. The airline’s second gateway into India after Mumbai will be operated four times a week using a Boeing 767-300.
“New Delhi…
The latest industry appointments – Asia
CHITTY CHEUNG has been announced as Cathay Pacific's new Director of Corporate Affairs. Ms Cheung is currently the airline's General Manager of Sales for the Pearl River Delta & Hong…
Virgin Atlantic pulls London-Nairobi route
Virgin Atlantic has announced it will stop flights between London and Nairobi this September following increased costs and the ‘challenging economic environment’ in Europe and Kenya.
The…
Taiwan conducts study tour for Indian agents
Taiwan Tourism Bureau has hosted a familiarisation trip for travel agents from Mumbai and New Delhi. The study tour offered travel agents to have a firsthand experience of the destination,…
Thailand tops Indian travellers’ list
Thailand is the most preferred outbound destination for Indian travellers. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has revealed that 917,832 Indians travellers visited Thailand last year as…
Africa news round-up
Airline and hotel news from Africa's tourism product.
Kempinski signs Nairobi hotel
Kempinski Hotels has announced it will expand its Africa portfolio with a new property in…
Face to Face: Omer Kaddouri, Rotana
Omer Kaddouri, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Rotana Hotels & Resorts
How has the group performed in the last year?
There are positive talks in our region,…
Thailand outsources visa application in Western India
The Royal Thai Consulate in Mumbai has outsourced Thai visa applications Western India. The consulate has appointed Cox & Kings Global
Services (CKGS) to operate visa application…
Floating jetties planned at Gateway of India
Travelling to the Elephanta Caves and Alibaug by sea will soon be smoother than usual following the installation of new floating jetties. To avoid difficulties faced by tourists in boarding…
Asian routes dominate global air traffic – Amadeus
The Asia Pacific region is home to eight out of the world’s 10 busiest inter-city air routes, Amadeus has revealed.
According to analysis by the travel technology company’s Amadeus Total…
Air India pilot strike continues
The ongoing Air India pilot strike that started on Monday continued today as more pilots are expected to join the protest. The airline’s pilots are protesting the management’s decision to…
Cyprus keen on Middle East, India market
Having launched the Cyprus specialist program a couple of months ago, Cyprus Tourism is looking to educate the industry especially agents on the destination. Experience is what is the focus.…
The latest industry appointments
THOMAS J MONAHAN has been named as Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s new Executive Vice President of Development for Asia Pacific. With 35 years’ hospitality experience, Monahan arrives from…
Jet Airways boosts Thailand flights
Jet Airways will boost its Kolkata-Bangkok flights during this summer season. Effective 10 May, the airline will add a second daily frequency on this route to cater the enhanced demand…
Jet to boost Kolkata-Bangkok flights
Jet Airways will double the frequency of its Kolkata-Bangkok route.
The Indian carrier will boost the service from daily to twice daily from 10 May 2012, with the new flight departing…
India opens 11 new international routes
The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has decided to open 11 new international routes under the bilateral Air Services Agreements (ASAs). The rights to new routes will be given to the…
Western Railway plans more services
Western Railway will introduce 36 suburban services, including two 15-car trains from 27 March in Mumbai. The additional services will be able to accommodate 1.5 lakh more commuters, an…
Switzerland to open more Visa Application Centers in India
First two phases to open seven centres by March, while three centres to launch in mid-2012...
Switzerland yesterday announced to open 10 more regional Visa Application Centres (VACs)…
Turkish, Air India sign codeshare agreement
Turkish Airlines has signed a codeshare agreement with Air India. This new agreement will allow both airlines to market each other’s flight by their own code and flight numbers. Effective 1…
Delhi leads Asia Pacific hotel development
The hotel development pipeline in the Asia Pacific hit 1,373 hotels with a room inventory of 327,630 units in October. According to STR Global, New Delhi ended the month with the largest…
Bharat Hotels ends IHG franchise deal
The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group, an enterprise of Bharat Hotels Ltd, has ended its franchise agreement with Inter Continental Hotel Group (IHG) by rebranding its Goa and Mumbai properties.…
Jet fuel prices hiked
Oil companies yesterday hiked jet fuel prices for the second time this month, raising rates by a steep 2% with effect from midnight yesterday.
"The price of aviation turbine fuel (ATF) or…
Starwood underlines Indian commitment
Starwood's Asia Pacific portfolio recently passed the 200-property milestone, helped by recent openings in India. This puts the group at the forefront of the luxury hotel market in the…
Maharashtra cans ferry plan
Maharashtra government's plan to transport vehicles and passengers using boats from Ferry Wharf to Mandwa has run into rough weather. The Mumbai Port Trust (MPT) has asked for a underpass or…
New7Wonders launches cities campaign
New7Wonders has announced the launch of New7Wonders Cities - its third global voting campaign. Following the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World and the New7Wonders of Nature campaigns,…
New7Wonders launches cities campaign
New7Wonders has announced the launch of New7Wonders Cities - its third global voting campaign. Following the man-made New 7 Wonders of the World and the New7Wonders of Nature campaigns,…
Delhi monuments to be illuminated
Archaeological monuments and important buildings across the capital city will be illuminated in blue on the eve of World Diabetes Day on 13 November, as a part of an awareness campaign about…
Dream Hotel chain to expand in India
The Dream Hotel chain, owned by Indian-American Chatwal Hotels & Resorts, plans to expand in India with a project in Goa slated to open in 2013. The company is looking at other…
Asian corporate travel to be more expensive in 2012
Hotel rates and airfares in top corporate travel destinations in Asia Pacific will increase in 2012, according to Egencia, the corporate travel arm of Expedia.
In its '2012 Corporate…
IndiGo connects Delhi-Kathmandu
IndiGo today commenced operations of its fifth international destination - Kathmandu on its network. The airline will offer daily flight services between New Delhi and Kathmandu at a return…
Asian corporate travel to be more expensive in 2012
Hotel rates and airfares in top corporate travel destinations in Asia Pacific will increase in 2012, according to Egencia, the corporate travel arm of Expedia.
In its '2012 Corporate…
Makemytrip.com launches new Bhutan packages
Bhutan is seeking to increase tourist inflow from India through newly-introduced charter flight packages from Delhi and Mumbai. The packages have been designed by makemytip.com who will run…
Four Seasons on expansion path in India
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is planning a rapid expansion of hotel properties in India, Hindustan Times reported.The report said Four Seasons was looking at extending its luxury brand of…
MAS targets more Indians with latest offer
Malaysia Airlines is targeting to carry 25% more Indians, up from 3.2 lakh to 4 lakh this year, with its new mega global sales promotion. "Last year, we had carried 3.2 lakh passengers from…
Visa delay deter travel to UK
The popular destination of UK seems to have lost its sheen, with many travellers fed up with the delays involved in getting a visa, Times of India reported.According to travel agents,…
Delhi car rental company buys Mercedes fleet
Delhi-based car rental company Carzonrent India has purchased a record number of 90 Mercedes Benz cars from the company dealer.Times of India said it was the biggest single deal made by the…
Gambling holidays picks pace this Diwali
Gambling attractions at tourist destinations such as Macau, Singapore and Dubai are drawing crowds this Diwali. With the holiday falling mid-week, tourists from the city have been lucky to…
SilverNeedle plots Asian expansion, includes India
A new hospitality company has arrived on the Asian scene promising a new breed of modern, consumer-friendly hotels.
SilverNeedle Hospitality, which is owned by India's Nadathur Group, has…
Airlines press government for using untapped bilateral rights
Indian airlines have urged the government to allow them to fly to several foreign cities by tapping un-utilised bilateral rights, as they held discussions on the issue with their…
AI diverts London flight to Gatwick
A London bound Air India flight from Mumbai was diverted to Gatwick airport due to heavy fog. Close to 200 passengers were stranded for nearly nine hours. The flight from Ahmedabad via…
AAI plans to integrate radars
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is in the process of interlinking radars of various regions to enhance air safety. India's airspace will soon be an integrated whole, enhancing air…
Airport charges likely to rise
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) is considering a proposal to hike landing, parking, navigation and other charges at the Delhi and Mumbai airports. The decision is likely by…
Marriott to open new Indian sales offices
Marriott International will strengthen its presence in India by setting up new sales offices in the country to cater to the fast growing consumer demand.
"We will continue to invest in…
Deccan Odyssey re-opens
After an extensive makeover, the luxury train Deccan Odyssey witnessed a full house for its first trip this season. The train left Mumbai on Wednesday evening for its week-long trip to Delhi…
MGM Hospitality inks India deals
MGM Hospitality, the lodging arm of casino operator MGM Resorts International, has signed deals to develop and run three hotels in Mumbai. A report by Forbes stated that MGM Hospitality's…
Miami firms queue up for India airport retailing
With annual revenues from airport retailing in India which includes duty free sales, set to cross US$ 1 billion this year, two Miami-based firms - Duty Free Air and Ship Supply (DFASS) and…
THAI boosts India network
Thai Airways International (THAI) will boost frequencies on Indian routes for its forthcoming winter schedules. The airline's service from Mumbai will be boosted from five to six per week…
Bangkok Airways expands in India
Bangkok Airways has launched flights to its second destination in India; Bengaluru. The Thai carrier will operate five direct flights weekly to the southern Indian city using an Airbus…
THAI boosts Asian routes
Thai Airways International (THAI) will boost frequencies on a series of Asian routes for its forthcoming winter schedules, commencing 30 October.
The emerging markets of India and China…
Azamara announces 2013 cruise calendar
Azamara Club Cruises has announced the cruise line's 2013 line-up of voyages. At the beginning of 2013, Azamara Journey will sail four Southeast Asia voyages, 14, 15 and 17 nights in…
Bangkok Airways starts Bengaluru service
Bangkok Airways has commenced direct flights to Thai capital from Bengaluru. The airline will operate five flights a week and will add two more flights by December. Bengaluru is the…
Face-to-Face: Roland Jegge, Worldhotels
Roland Jegge, Vice President Asia Pacific, Worldhotels1) Can you please tell us about Worldhotels' portfolio expansion so far in 2011? 2011 will be marked as a…
IndiGo launches Bangkok flights
Indian low-cost carrier, IndiGo yesterday launched direct flights between Bangkok and Mumbai. The Thai capital becomes IndiGo's second destination in Southeast Asia following Singapore,…
THAI plans Indian culinary delights for Diwali
Thai Airways International (THAI) is celebrating the Indian festival of Diwali by adding some spice to its Sub-Continent flights. A special Indian menu has been prepared for the airline by…
THAI adds Indian flavour to flights
Thai Airways International (THAI) is celebrating the Indian festival of Diwali by adding some spice to its Sub-Continent flights. A special Indian menu has been prepared for the airline by…
Charter flights face increased security
Intense security screening on private chartered aircraft and their pilots has been initiated, with the Intelligence Bureau issuing a red alert that a charter plane from Hubli (Karnataka)…
Air India improves on-time performance
Air India achieved 100% on-time performance (OTP) of its flights on 20-21 September from Mumbai and New Delhi. According to a news report by The Hindu, overall OTP of Air India this month…
IndiGo plans three city connect to Muscat
IndiGo, which will commence operation in the Mumbai-Muscat sector on 10 October, is planning to start services to three South Indian destinations from the Omani capital this winter. The…
Royal Orchid Hotels line up mid-market brands
Royal Orchid Hotels Ltd plans to add a new mid-market hotel offering in India in the next couple of months. The company's Managing Director, Chender Baljee told Reuters that Royal…
Indigo to fly to Singapore six times daily
No frills carrier Indigo launched flights between Delhi and Singapore last week and has many more routes in the pipeline. According to a CAPA report, IndiGo is aiming to quickly expand…
DGCA faults Jet’s cabin crew training
A year after two dozen passengers of Jet Airways were injured during an emergency evacuation, the DGCA has faulted the airlines crew and training standards. On 27 August last year, Jet's…
Lebua Hotels to enter India by year-end
Bangkok-based Lebua Hotels & Resorts said it would enter Indian market with the opening of its first property in the capital by this year-end. Owned by Delhi-based real estate firm…
Emirates offers special Diwali fares
Emirates has announced special air fares to India celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights. The fares are valid for Economy Class and Business Class return tickets to all Emirates…
Abu Dhabi conducts India mission
To increase destination awareness in India, Abu Dhabi conducted an India mission in New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai. The road show is aimed at showcasing product knowledge among tour operators…
IndiGo to increase flights to Singapore
IndiGo said it will increase flights to Singapore as the current overall limit, permitted by the air services agreement between the two countries, remains under-utilised. As of now, the…
Diwali plans hit by air fare hikes
A flight to any part of the country during the festive season of Diwali is likely to leave a huge dent on travellers pocket, even if tickets are booked a month in advance. The huge demand…
USTA conducts fifth India mission
The US Travel Association (USTA) hosted its fifth annual trade mission to India from 11-15 September. Twenty-eight representatives visited Mumbai and New Delhi to promote increased travel to…
Airlines respond to tourism growth in Phuket
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported that tourism from Europeans and Indians to Phuket is a rapidly growing market. This has fueled the introduction of more direct flights…
Abu Dhabi hits the road in India
Abu Dhabi is on the brink of significantly boosting its share of India's outbound tourism segment, according to the sub-Continent nation's travel trade, who turned out in droves for the…
Airlines respond to tourism growth in Phuket
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has reported that tourism from Europeans and Indians to Phuket is a rapidly growing market. This has fueled the introduction of more direct flights…
Omeir offers ‘once in a lifetime’ private jet experience
Dubai-based Omeir Travel Agency has launched its 2012 Around the World by Private Jet package, offering clients the chance to travel the world by private jet and stay at some of the world's…
Airfares to Delhi soar 200% ahead of F1
Airfares to Delhi have shot up by 200% across all sectors ahead of the Indian F1 to be held 28-31 October 2011. A return trip from Mumbai to Delhi has shown the highest spurt, with fares up…
Abu Dhabi finalises Indian roadshow
Abu Dhabi is looking to penetrate India's growing outbound tourism market on the back of the South Asian republic's rapid rise up the emirate's hotel guest rankings. Abu Dhabi Tourism…
Turkish Airlines jet skids off runway
A Turkish Airlines passenger plane has skidded off the runway at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport. The Airbus A340, which was carrying 104 people from Istanbul, skidded…
Indian Railways gives go-ahead to Bond film
Indian Railways has given the go-ahead for the shooting of the next James Bond film on its land, according to official sources. Railway Ministers, Dinesh Trivedi was positive on the next…
IndiGo to launch maiden international flight
IndiGo will launch its maiden international flight on Delhi-Dubai-Delhi sector on 1 September 2011. This flight will mark the airline's foray into the international arena after completing…
Stars review Kiwi Collection hotels
Kiwi Collection has collared some high profile Australian celebrities to promote its portfolio though the new Ambassador Hotel Review Series. This new series allows travellers an insight…
20 NY-bound flights on alert after hurricane alert
About 20 flights operating to New York's JFK and Newark airports from Delhi and several more across the world were suspended on Saturday after hurricane Irene forced the airports to shut for…
Finnair partners with Kingfisher Airlines
Finnair has added seven more destinations in India to its network in a partnership agreement with Kingfisher Airlines. "We offer morning connections to Finnair's vast European network of…
AI new CEO turns down club membership
Rohit Nandan, new CEO of Air India has refused to renew two memberships of Mumbai's ultra prestigious Willingdon Club offered to the CMD and a top aide for a fee of INR70 Lakh. According to…
Citrus Hotels plan INR600 crore expansion
Citrus Hotels & Resorts, part of Mirah Hospitality, will invest around US$128 billion (INR600 crore) in the next two-three years to double its number of hotels to 15 and increase the…
Utell garners new members in June
Utell Hotels & Resorts added more than 10,000 hotel rooms to its global inventory in June. More than 40% of its new inventory is in the Asia Pacific region and half of those are…
MIAL violates norms, uses PSF money
Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL), which operates the Mumbai airport, violated the orders of the government and used the money collected from Passenger Services Fee (PSF),…
Utell garners new members in June
Utell Hotels & Resorts added more than 10,000 hotel rooms to its global inventory in June. Over 40% of its new inventory is in the Asia Pacific region and half of those are five star…
ibis Bengaluru 100th ibis in Asia Pacific
ibis Bengaluru Techpark, scheduled for opening in mid-September, will become the 100th ibis to open in the Asia Pacific region and fourth to open in India. India's first ibis - ibis Gurgaon…
Indian business travel highest in Asia: Accor Survey
According to the research Asia Pacific Business Travel Research 2011 commissioned by Accor, Indian Business travellers have taken some of the highest number of trips on an average in the…
West Bengal renamed Paschim Banga
In a long pending move, the eastern state of West Bengal is being renamed as Paschim Banga, which is the translation of the existing name in Hindi and Bengali. This has been in the pipeline…
USTA team for India
The United States Travel Association is sending a record 32-member trade team to India from 11-15 September to promote tourism from India to the US.The team will have destination and…
Two new airports for Karnataka
Two new airports are set to be built in Karnataka, Economic Times reported.Regional Airport Holding International Ltd will invest 490 crore to develop an airport each in Shimoga and Gulbarga…
IndiGo confirms Singapore launch
Indian low-cost carrier, IndiGo has confirmed that it will commence flights to Singapore from 10 October 2011. Sales for the services commenced on Friday. The Mumbai-Singapore route will…
India is focus for Ascott
Ascott, which calls itself the world's largest serviced residence owner-operator, is expanding its footprint in India in cities like Mumbai, Delhi and Pune, adding to its US$250 million…
Turkish airline eyes base in Calcutta
Turkish Airlines, which flies from New Delhi and Mumbai, plans to start flights from Calcutta, Chennai and Hyderabad over the next two years."We are considering Calcutta as a hub in eastern…
Travelling to Russia made easy with visa deal
An agreement between the Russia and India to ease issuance of business and tourist visas to citizens of both countries will make traveling to Russia easy and quick.First Post reported that…
Etihad expands in Manchester
Etihad Airways has boosted its presence in Manchester with the launch of double-daily services to the city and the opening of a new maintenance facility. The Manchester maintenance facility…
Airports start offering loyalty points
Several airports in India are planning to offer loyalty points to attract more business.Livemint.com said Hyderabad international airport has started the ball rolling by offering incentives…
India’s richest man could face luxury home probe
India's richest man Mukesh Ambani faces a possible federal probe into the construction of his 27-storey luxury home - one of the most expensive private residences in the world.Quoting Indian…
Jet ordered to pay for death of pugs
Jet Airways has been directed by a Delhi consumer forum to pay INR1.44 lakh as compensation to a passenger for the "emotional setback" caused by the death of his two pugs on board. "The…
Turkish Airlines to expand operations in India
Turkish Airlines plans to expand operations in India in 2012 by doubling weekly flights to 28 and adding Hyderabad as its third Indian destination. Turkey's flag carrier, which currently…
Qatar Airways launches daily flights to Kolkata
Qatar Airways has widened its passenger flight network in India with the launch of daily non-stop scheduled services from Doha to Kolkata. Kolkata now becomes part of Qatar Airways' large…
ITC Hotels rated “greenest luxury hotel chain in the world”
All ITC's luxury hotels have been accorded the LEED Platinum (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) making it the 'greenest luxury hotel chain in the world'. The hotels - ITC…
AI Express expects to break-even by FY13
Air India Express, the no-frills international arm of the ailing national carrier Air India, is hopeful to break-even by the next fiscal year, a top company official was reported saying."We…
Plan to instal 5,000 CCTVs takes shape
Plans to develop an extensive video surveillance network is finally taking shape with the government set to officially invite applications.Times of India said in the wake of the recent…
Hilton to expand
Hilton plans to add five more properties in India this year. Martin Rinck, president, Asia Pacific, Hilton Worldwide, said that 'India is critically important growth market for us".The chain…
Clinton “encouraged” by revived India-Pakistan talks
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said that the United States was "encouraged" by the revived peace talks between nuclear-armed rivals India and Pakistan.Clinton spoke at a news…
Travelocity India files suit against Cleartrip
Travelocity India has filed a civil suit against Cleartrip in the Mumbai High Court claiming damages of US$37.5 million (over INR165 crore) due to an alleged data theft by top executives of…
India testing more efficient flight paths
Indian air traffic controllers have tested a demonstration flight that seeks to determine new air routes that are more fuel-efficient than the current ones. A report in livemint.om said…
Bomb blasts overshadow Clinton’s India visit
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrives in India today for a three-day visit overshadowed by the triple blasts in Mumbai last week that killed 19 people and injured more than 100.No…
SIA boosts Asian schedules
Singapore Airlines (SIA) is increasing the frequency of services to several points in Southeast Asia, North Asia, the Indian subcontinent during the Northern Winter operating season (30…
Boeing demonstrates Dreamliner in Delhi
Boeing's 787 Dreamliner made its India debut yesterday, landing at New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport following a flight from Tokyo.
Air India was one of the first…
Air Arabia adds new destination from India
Budget carrier Air Arabia has added a new destination of Gassim from India. Economic Times said flights from 13 Indian destinations would be connecting Gassim from 15 July, according to the…
Cathay Pacific wants to return to Bengal
Cathay Pacific has written to Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee with a request to help it explore the possibility of a comeback to the state after 41 years, saying the "time is right"…
End to terrorism can’t be guaranteed warns India
India has warned that it may never be able to guarantee a terror-free nation in a region plagued by extremism. Officials was quoted saying by Economic Times that they had made extraordinary…
Countries caution citizens on travel to India
In the aftermath of the triple Mumbai blasts on Wednesday that killed 21, some countries have issued advisories to their citizens to exercise caution if they are travelling to India.The…
Dreamliner visits India
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner made its India debut landing at New Delhi International Airport yesterday, arriving from Tokyo. "Indian air carriers have recognised the tremendous value the Boeing…
Arzoo.com launches multi city flight search
Arzoo.com has launched a new multi-city search that will enable the customer to book ticket within India and abroad for multiple destinations in one single go. For instance, a person in…
Emirates Airline restructures India operations
Emirates has appointed Sunil Kallyat as Regional Manager, Western India in line with the importance of India operations.He will be based in Mumbai and will oversee Emirates' Airport, Cargo,…
Intercontinental Eros rebranded as Hilton
The Hilton is continuing its expansion spree, with the latest addition being the Intercontinental Eros, Nehru Place, in New Delhi.The hotel is owned by the Sood family, which has interests…
GoAir may buy more planes to connect smaller cities
Budget carrier GoAir, which recently ordered 72 Airbus SAS A320neo jets last month, is considering adding smaller planes to tap rising travel demand in the South Asian nation."The Indian…
Dreamliner arrives in India next week
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is making its solo debut in India next week, touching down in Delhi on 13 July and then leave for Mumbai for a test flight meant for Air India (AI).Business…
Heritage tag for more Bengal monuments, buildings: Minister
The West Bengal government is planning to declare more monuments and old buildings as heritage complexes to promote tourism in the state, Tourism Minister Rachpal Singh was reported saying…
AI turnaround plan stars with staff transfer
Air India will start the process of shifting more than a third of its employees to a ground-handling joint venture with Singapore Airport Terminal Services on Friday to reduce its staff…
Gulf Air launches Copenhagen flights
Gulf Air has commenced services to Copenhagen. The inaugural flight took off from Bahrain International Airport at 1.30am on Friday, landing in the Danish capital at 7.30am.
Addressing…
Air China expands India, UK operations
Air China is set to launch a new Beijing-Mumbai service from September. Incredibly, the move would mark the first service between the two cities. Mumbai is currently only linked with China…
JW Marriott first for North India
The first JW Marriott hotel in North India, and the second in the country, has opened its doors.The five-star JW Marriott Chandigarh is now ready for business and comes hot off the heels of…
Operators plan new concepts for autumn, winter breaks
Even as the summer vacations draw to a close, travel agencies are already planning to offer innovative plans for the autumn and winter breaks. Business Standard quoted tour operators as…
NZ PM upbeat on Indian tourism
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is predicting "an explosion of Indian tourists" with direct flights between Mumbai and Auckland about to take off.Key, who is in India for a three-day…
Marriott plans 24 new hotels in Asia Pacific
Marriott International's signature brand, Marriott Hotels & Resorts has announced a global pipeline of nearly 50 new hotels and resorts to open in the next four years, almost half of…
India, Pakistan conclude talks
India and Pakistan ended their two days of peace talks in Islamabad on Friday and pledged to work towards peace and decrease any prospect of conflict.ChannelNews Asia said the talks between…
Yatra launches Jordan explorer
Yatra.com has announced the launch of an experiential holiday package "Jordan Explorer". This six nights and seven days package offers a visit to the ancient cities of Amman, Jerash, the…
NZ PM in India to discuss trade and tourism
The New Zealand Prime Minister John Key is in India now for an official state visit where he would discuss trade and tourism with India's political and business leaders.New Zealand Herald…
‘Made in India’ towel at Wimbledon
As Roger Federer seeks a record equalling title on the 125th anniversary of the Wimbledon tennis championships this year with defending champion Rafael Nadal standing in the way, they will…
Starwood sees a dozen St Regis in India
Starwood Hotels and Resorts is in active discussions with developers related to W and St. Regis, and expects to have two deals signed for each brand by the end of the year, according to its…
India, Pakistan resume Kashmir talks
India and Pakistan are holding talks this week on the disputed area of Kashmir and the continuing threat of terrorism.This would be the first formal talks between them since India broke off…
Air Canada plans India flights
Air Canada plans to start daily flights to India by the end of this year, The Telegraphy reported.Recent expansions in the Indian aviation sector, including acquisition of aircraft by…
IHG to open 150 hotels by 2020
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has drawn up big plans for India with increased focus on the mid-scale segment, Financial Express reported.The global chain is targeting to have 150…
IndiGo goes international from August
IndiGo, India's second-biggest airline by passengers carried, is gearing up to commence international operations in the first week of August. Domain-b.com, quoting reports and industry…
IndiGo to launch Dubai route on 1 September
Indian low-cost airline IndiGo has confirmed it will launch international flights on 1 September, with Dubai set to be the first destination from its home hub of New Delhi.During the month…
Airline returns passenger’s bag minus data in laptop
A passenger who flew on Kingfisher Airlines and Air India finally got her lost baggage and her laptop after six months but all data on her laptop had disappeared.Times of India reported that…
Kingfisher launches nine new flights
Kingfisher Airlines is adding nine new flights to its domestic network.With this, it becomes the only airline in India to offer flight services between Mumbai-Kolhapur, New Delhi-Pantnagar…
India to become 3rd largest market for Starwood by 2015
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide said it expects India to become its third biggest market by 2015 as the company expands in the country faster than planned. It had had earlier set a…
India on IATA’s ‘Wall of Shame’ for high air ticket tax
India was put on the 'Wall of Shame' by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for imposing high service tax on air tickets when aviation sector was growing at a high pace.A PTI…
Air India, airports do their bit for environment
Air India and airports in New Delhi and Mumbai are doing their bit for the environment.Air India is using a corporate document management system to go paperless," said the spokesperson for…
Caribbean Cruises expands Middle East cruise season
Royal Caribbean International is extending its third consecutive season in the Middle East with 18 round-trip 7-night sailings and two 12-night sailings from Dubai to India starting in…
Air India cancels 50 flights to reduce costs
In a move to reduce operating costs, Air India on Thursday said it cancelled 50 flights on international and domestic routes to maintain balance between seat availability and passenger…
JetLite suffers bird hit
A JetLite flight, with 94 passengers and six crew members onboard from Mumbai to Patna via Ranchi suffered a bird hit, but landed safely at the airport, airline sources were quoted saying in…
Jet plans to add new planes
With air traffic growing at a healthy pace, Indian carriers are once again looking to add capacities, a report said.Jet Airways, India's biggest airline, plans to acquire 6-7 new narrow body…
Ailing Air India draws plans for lean season
Faced with a twin attack from oil companies and operators of Delhi and Hyderabad airports asking it to clear their dues, Air India has drawn up plans to combine 13 flights spread over a few…
India’s first cruise ship
India has joined the global cruise line club with the country's first cruise ship, AMET Majesty, registered in Chennai with an Indian flag. The Hindu said the ship would make her maiden…
Air India looks outside metros
Air India has now started focussing on connecting tier-II and tier-III cities with the metros and several new such connections are on the plan.The national carrier expects the regional…
Asian hotels continue to see double-digit gains
Hotels in the Asia Pacific region experienced mostly positive results in the three key performance metrics during April 2011 when reported in US dollars, according to data compiled by STR…
Ahmedabad gets new links
Private airlines will be adding up to 10 new flights to existing and new destinations in the monsoon and winter schedule in Ahmedabad.Times of India new flights from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel…
Fuel prices and fare wars take toll on Jet Airways
Jet Airways and its low-fare unit JetLite, slipped into a loss after tax of about INR.200 crore in the fourth quarter compared with a INR 224 crore profit a year earlier as a result of steep…
Hyatt gives back to local communities
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, which is all set to open their new hotel in Chennai by June this year, will focus on empowering the local communities in the city through economic development and…
Asian mega-cities to see influx of hotel supply
Mega-cities in India and the Philippines will see the largest growth in hotel room supply, compared to their existing inventories, according to the latest data from STR Global. The April…
Hospitality entity plans 15 hotels
A hospitality consortium is looking at mid-tier markets to make its foray in India.Financial Chronicle said Zinc InVision Hospitality, the joint venture between Thailand-based InVision…
Taj aims for 50 Gateways by 2015
Indian Hotels Company that runs the Taj Group of hotels, sees its upscale, full service Gateway brand grow through the management contract model, reaching at least 50 Gateway Hotels in the…
Hospitality trade event in September
Hospitality, Food & Tourism India (HFTI), a first of its kind hospitality trade exhibition being organised by Hotel and Restaurant Association (Western India) (HRAWI), will be held…
Domestic airlines approach Maharashtra to rationalise ATF sales tax
Led by Vijay Mallya, Chairman of Kingfisher Airlines, the domestic aviation industry has approached the Maharashtra State Government to rationalise the sales tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel…
Petrol prices go up
In a move which is sure to impact travel and tourism, petrol prices have been hiked in India by over INR 5 a litre, taking it to INR 63.37 per litre in Delhi and INR 68.33 in Mumbai. In a…
Air India extends promo offer
National carrier Air India yesterday extended its promotional scheme of 50% off on tickets till 19 May as the airline, recovering from a crippling pilots' strike, registered around 90%…
More tourists using VOA
Over 4,000 foreigners from 11 countries used the tourist visa on arrival facility in the first four months of this year, with the maximum numbers coming from New Zealand, Japan and the…
Czech Tourism woos Indian tourists
The Czech Republic is keen to enlarge its tourism base from India, which has seen a 35% growth in arrivals to the European country.Prague and other attractions of the European country, known…
City passengers giving AI a miss
Days after the end of the Air India pilots' strike, sky-high airfares continue to pinch domestic fliers, Hindustan Times reported.Quoting travel agents, it said peak hour fares, which…
Government masterplan for airports
The government will complete drafting a master plan for the development of airports within a fortnight, Times of India reported.With the growth of the air transport industry, the Maharashtra…
ATM2011: Royal Caribbean expands in Middle East
Royal Caribbean has announced a new Middle East route sailing through the Gulf from Dubai to India via Oman, and featuring three nights in different locations in India, including Mumbai, Goa…
AirAsia X sees demand surge
AirAsia X has revealed that it carried 640,000 passengers in Q1 2011, an increase of 56.5% over the same quarter last year. The expansion was achieved following the addition of six new…
Thailand eyes Indian MICE market
With an eye on the Indian MICE market, Thailand held a road show under the Believe in Thailand banner in New Delhi and Mumbai, with as many as 28 sellers taking part in the event.The…
AirAsia X records strong first quarter
AirAsia X, the long haul low fare affiliate of AirAsia, announced that in the first quarter of 2011, it carried 640,000 passengers, an increase of 56.5% over the same quarter in 2010. Indian…
Airlines hike domestic fares
Domestic airfares began to rise this week after a section of Air India pilots went on an indefinite strike, resulting in many domestic flight cancellations. Airfares on busy metro routes…
Operators can’t charge airport development fee: Surpreme Court
The Indian Supreme Court has ruled that private operators cannot charge the airport development fee they now impose at the New Delhi and Mumbai airports.The Times of India reported that with…
Macau tourist office bets on India
The Macau Government Tourist Office had organised a Macau Mini Mart in Mumbai and New Delhi last week as a platform for India's leading travel agents and tour operators to network with their…
ICPA threatens pilot boycott on Kathmandu services
Air India flight to Kathmandu may face some disruption after the Indian Airlines pilots' union instructed members to stop operating flights to the Nepalese capital until certain operational…
Drukair to boost Indian network
Drukair, the national carrier of Bhutan, will increase its services to Delhi and Kolkata from next month. As of 15 May, Delhi will be served five times a week from the Bhutanese capital,…
Royal Orchid and IDeaS extend partnership
Royal Orchid Hotels has expanded its partnership with pricing and revenue management firm IDeaS by extending its pricing support solution to a total of ten hotels across India. The Royal…
Kiwis and Japanese dominate VoA issuance
With the VoA system up and running, New Zealanders and Japanese tourists are proving to be the biggest takers, while only a very slight fraction of visitors are coming from Southeast Asia.…
Accor CEO clarifies brand strategy
Accor has outlined its comprehensive strategy for India which will see it operating six brands throughout the country before the year end with Sofitel, Pullman and Formule1 brands set to…
W Hotels to debut in Malaysia
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced plans to launch its W Hotels brand in Malaysia, with the signing of a deal with the Dijaya Corporation Bhd to manage the W Kuala…
Hilton signs two hotels in Delhi
Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Eros Resorts & Hotels Ltd to manage two new properties in New Delhi's fast-growing business district of Mayur Vihar. The agreement…
TDA APPOINTMENTS
MICHAEL WISBRUN has been appointed Managing Director of SkyTeam, based in the Amsterdam. Wisbrun joins SkyTeam from Air France-KLM, where he is currently Executive Vice President KLM Cargo…
Starwood to double footprint in two years
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is to extend its presence in India with the addition of seven properties to its portfolio by the end of this year, and is on track for 50 by 2013.…
American Airlines revises flight times to Delhi
American Airlines has retimed the departure of its daily nonstop flight from Chicago to Delhi. The revised service gets into to Delhi three hours earlier than previously scheduled which…
Worldhotels opens Delhi office
Worldhotels is opening its first office in India to manage its expanding presence in the market. The new office in Delhi NCR will be run by Naresh Chandnani who has been appointed to…
IHG JV to expand Holiday Inn Express brand in India
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a joint venture partnership with Duet India Hotels Group (DIHL), the hotel investment arm of the Duet Group, to develop 19 new Holiday Inn…
Starwood to launch W brand in India
Starwood Hotels & Resorts has announced plans to open W Mumbai, marking the debut of W Hotels brand in India.
Located in South Central Mumbai, W Mumbai will be developed on…
Worldhotels opens first India office
Worldhotels is extending its network with the opening of a new office in India - its first in the country. Hospitality industry veteran Naresh Chandnani has been appointed Regional Director…
Worldhotels and Svenska Group open Bengaluru chic business hotel
Worldhotels partner Svenska Hotels will open its second five-star boutique business hotel in Bengaluru on 1 April. Svenska Bangalore features 56 rooms and suites with a rooftop swimming pool…
GHM dips its feet in Indian market
General Hotel Management (GHM) is set to make its presence felt in India soon. The company, which has a range of hotels in several countries, will manage an intimate 45 key project in New…
Travel players lay on extra services for semi-final rush
Hotels in Chandigarh and Mohali are full to the brim and airlines have added additional services to cope with the rush in demand ahead of today's ICC World Cup Cricket semi-final between…
Hyatt bumps development pipeline to 38
Hyatt affiliates in India have signed management agreements for nine new Hyatt-branded hotels in emerging cities across the country, bringing the total number of Hyatt hotels under…
Daily Kochi-Kuwait City services start today
Kuwait Airways will begin international services between Kuwait city and Kochi today. The daily Airbus A310/A300 flights took-off this morning from Kochi at 5.15am. The new service will…
IndiGo boosts connectivity to Lucknow
IndGo has launched eight new direct flights from Lucknow to Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore, reinforcing its commitment to offer affordable flying options and better connectivity in the region.…
Agents can earn through mobile recharge
Arzoo.com has launched a new Mobile Recharge service to add to its umbrella of offerings for agents that allows them to earn good commissions. According to the web company, the agents will…
Airfare debate reignited as airlines raise prices
After the Diwali fiasco which saw the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Indian airlines embroiled in a debate over ticket prices, airfares have again shot-up in the past week.…
Hyderabad becomes mini hub for Jet Airways
Jet Airways will turn Hyderabad airport into a mini hub when it introduces new flights next week. When the carrier introduces 15 new flights next Sunday 27 March, Hyderabad will be linked to…
Seychelles looks for larger share of Indian OTM
India is a market with huge potential for Seychelles and the Seychelles Tourism Board, together with the trade partners, is looking to introduce the destination as a new holiday option for…
Six Senses unveils grand plans for India
With a presence in the Maldives, Thailand and Vietnam, reputed luxury hotel group Six Senses Resorts & Spas is now set to debut in India. With properties in island resorts on Koh Samui,…
BCAS ratifies major airport security initiative
The Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) has issued new guidelines which will see various security precautions enforced at airports across the country.
All airlines will be required…
Etihad to launch daily flights to Bangalore
Etihad Airways will commence daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Bangalore on March 25. The decision follows the success of its current four services per week to Karnataka's capital city, which…
THAI boosts Australian routes
Thai Airways International (THAI) will boost its routes to and from Australia and New Zealand for summer 2011. From 16 April, the national carrier will increase its Bangkok-Brisbane services…
Etihad to increase frequencies to Bangalore
Etihad Airways is to increase its frequency to Bangalore following the success of its services to Karnataka's capital city, moving from its current four return flights to a daily service…
Etihad goes daily to Bengaluru
Etihad Airways is to increase its frequency to Bengaluru from its current four return flights to a daily service from 25 March 2011.
Neerja Bhatia, Etihad Airways' Country Manager for…
Jet expands network with new summer schedule
Jet Airways plans to expand its domestic and global operations as of April. When the airline introduces its summer schedule, it is expecting to add 15% capacity to domestic routes and up to…
Starwood opens two new Four Points hotels in India
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced the launch of its Four Points by Sheraton brand in Pune and Visakhapatnam. The Four Points Pune recently opened its doors to guests…
Worldhotels picks up another Indian affiliate
Worldhotels has welcomed luxury 'megalopolis' Aamby Valley City in India's Western Ghats as a Deluxe Collection affiliate.
Independent India's self-contained complex features 324 designer…
New Hilton opens in Chennai
Hilton Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Hilton Chennai, its first hotel in Chennai.
Featuring 204 guest rooms and more than 7,000 square feet of event space, the upscale,…
Freudenberg taps growing airport acoustics market
Freudenberg Group has announced that it plans to tap the growing market for airport acoustics in India.The announcement follows successful implementation of acoustic design and solutions at…
Kingfisher makes 11 schedule changes
Kingfisher Airlines on Wednesday announced a string of changes to services on its domestic route network. The changes include the introduction of one new route and additional…
TTF&OTM travel show attracts 15,000 participants
The TTF&OTM travel show came to a close on Wednesday with organisers reporting a total of 15,000 visitors, including 10,000 trade visitors, over the three days.…