Travel
Travel Trade Journal
IATO's 40th Convention in Odisha Sets Visionary Agenda to Grow India's Inbound Tourism by 2030
As the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) prepares to host its landmark 40th Annual Convention in Puri, Odisha, Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, shares key insights into the event's theme, structure, and strategic focus. From policy advocacy and stakeholder collaboration to showcasing Odisha's tourism potential, the convention aims to chart a clear roadmap for revitalising India's inbound tourism in the run-up to 2030.
2 min |
TTJ August 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Kempinski Scales Up Global Presence, Balancing Legacy with Innovation
Kempinski Hotels recently held its annual two-city roadshow in India, celebrating a year of remarkable growth while reaffirming its deepening commitment to the Indian luxury travel landscape. In this exclusive feature, Sebastian Riewe, Vice President Global Sales, Kempinski Hotels, shares with TTJ how the brand is reshaping its global sales strategy, responding to shifting guest expectations, and navigating the future of hospitality with a blend of authenticity, adaptability, and ambition.
2 min |
TTJ August 2025
Travel Trade Journal
China Southern Airlines appoints Group Concorde as GSA - Passenger Sales in India
Group Concorde has been appointed as the General Sales Agent (GSA) for China Southern Airlines' passenger sales across India, effective August 1, 2025.
1 min |
TTJ August 2025
Travel Trade Journal
PAHALGAM HIT PAUSE Can the Industry Press Play Again?
Until April 2025, Kashmir's tourism landscape was on an unrelenting upward curve. The first four months of the year had set unprecedented benchmarks for domestic footfall. Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam were witnessing record occupancy, aided by expansive air connectivity, the launch of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat rail corridor into the valley, and a concerted marketing push across Indian metros. For the first time since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the region's tourism sector was not merely reviving, it was thriving.
5 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
ITTA repositions to meet the needs of India's expanding domestic tourism market
Satish Sehrawat, President, Indian Tourist Transporters Association (ITTA), shared insights on how the association is adapting to the surge in domestic tourism, supporting its members through digital and sustainable practices, and advocating for policy reforms to drive inclusive growth.
3 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Luxury meets purposeful hospitality at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection
Nestled in the vibrant Business Bay district along the Dubai Water Canal, Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, comprising Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, V Hotel Dubai Curio Collection by Hilton, and Al Habtoor Palace, offers more than just luxury stays. Soufiane El Allam, Complex Operations and Commercial Director at Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, shared how the iconic trio of hotels is redefining luxury, sustainability, and personalised service in the heart of Dubai.
2 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
India’s Tourism Associations recalibrate for domestic travel growth
India’s domestic tourism landscape is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by shifting traveller preferences, digital evolution, and the rise of niche segments. Leading industry associations like FAITH, TAAI, TAFI, ADTOI, and ATOAI are playing pivotal roles in steering this growth through collaboration, policy advocacy, sustainability efforts, and capacity building. Together, they are trying to shape a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready ecosystem that aims to unlock the full potential of India’s travel economy.
8 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Better access and affordable travel hold the key to unlocking Northeast India’s tourism potential
Arijit Purkayastha, Founder and Director, Koyeli Tours and Travels, Advisor to the Tour Operators Association of Assam (TOAA), and ADTOI Chapter Chairman, North East, shared insights on how the Northeast is emerging as India’s next tourism frontier. Deeply engaged with grassroots operators, he speaks about crafting authentic, community-driven experiences that showcase the region’s cultural richness, ecological beauty, and untapped potential for transformative travel.
3 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Evoke Experiences leads India’s shift toward experiential and conscious tourism
In an exclusive interaction with TTJ, Bhavik Sheth, COO, Evoke Experiences, discusses the company’s dynamic approach to luxury tented hospitality. From managing at iconic destinations like Rann Utsav and the Statue of Unity Tent City to upcoming projects across culturally and ecologically rich landscapes, Bhavik outlines how the brand has successfully positioned itself at the intersection of tradition and innovation, delivering curated stays that go far beyond conventional hospitality.
4 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
The GROWING TRIBE of SILVER TRAVELLERS changing the TRAVEL GAME
It is early morning in Kyoto, and under a canopy of cherry blossoms, a group of Indian travellers in their 60s and 70s gather for a guided meditation session. Later, they will head to a local market for a culinary tour, followed by a soak in an Onsen. This is not a retirement dream; it is the new reality of ‘Silver travellers’ embracing travel in their golden years. TTJ explores this phenomenon, asking industry leaders what makes this demographic tick, the trends fuelling its rise, and how India’s travel sector is waking up to its immense potential.
7 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
TAAI leads the charge to restore confidence in J&K tourism with the 'Rally for the Valley' campaign
In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) in June 2025 launched a powerful initiative titled 'Rally for the Valley'. The campaign aimed to combat fear, counter negative perceptions, and revive tourist footfall in Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming the region's identity as a safe and welcoming destination.
2 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Madhya Pradesh crafts an inclusive, immersive, and transformative travel narrative
Madhya Pradesh is crafting a distinct travel identity rooted in its rich culture, stunning natural landscapes, and vibrant local communities. Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board (MPTB), outlines how the state is emerging as a frontrunner in inclusive and conscious tourism.
3 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
The Machan Lonavala: A Soulful Stay Story, Etched in Green
Tucked away beyond the usual bustle of Lonavala, The Machan offers more than just a forest stay - it is an immersive, off-grid escape. Harmonising eco-luxury with wild serenity, it invites travellers to slow down, reconnect with nature, and rediscover life among the treetops.
5 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
The eco-tourism shift driving India’s new-age domestic travel
Ecotourism in India is no longer a fringe movement; it is becoming a defining pillar of domestic travel. It is rapidly emerging as a preferred choice among Indian travellers seeking mindful, nature-connected experiences. As sustainability takes centre stage, hospitality brands are reimagining travel with purpose and impact. We spoke to a few key voices from the ecotourism sector to understand how this segment is evolving, as well as the challenges and opportunities shaping its future.
6 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
GHE Powers Change in the Himalayas Through Purpose-Led Travel
Harnessing the power of tourism, Paras Loomba, Founder, Global Himalayan Expedition (GHE), has transformed purpose-led travel into a catalyst for change across India's most remote mountain regions. In conversation with TTJ, he reflects on GHE's mission to electrify off-grid villages, enable local livelihoods through renewable energy, and position tourism as a powerful driver of climate action and rural development.
5 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Domestic Tourism Anchoring India's Travel and Hospitality Future
India's tourism story is being rewritten from within. Fuelled by domestic demand, bold government initiatives, expanding infrastructure, and a growing middle class, the sector is undergoing a transformative shift. From boutique stays to cultural corridors, Tier 2 and 3 cities are emerging as new travel frontiers. As India eyes 15 billion domestic trips by 2047, responsible, inclusive, and sustainable growth is the only way forward.
4 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Rahul Chaudhary Steers CG Hospitality Towards Ambitious Goal of 700 Hotels by 2030
Rahul Chaudhary, Managing Director, CG Corp Global and Chief Executive Officer, CG Hospitality Holdings, is quietly reinventing his family legacy into one of the world's most distinctive experience-led hospitality portfolios, with a growing presence across Nepal, India, Southeast Asia, and Africa. In conversation with TTJ, he shares his bold vision for CG Hospitality, the values guiding its evolution, and how legacy, when paired with ambition, is a powerful tool for reinvention.
5 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Goa moves beyond beaches with bold push into hinterland tourism and regenerative travel
As Goa continues to charm travellers with its coastal beauty, Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, Goa Tourism Department, shares how the state is shifting towards a deeper, more conscious tourism model rooted in regeneration, culture, and community.
3 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Is Geopolitical Turbulence Grounding Global Tourism?
In a world increasingly shaped by shifting geo-political power dynamics, the ripple effects are being felt far beyond situation rooms and war zones. They are hitting runways, visa counters, and travel itineraries. As geopolitical tensions rise and travel, once again, feels vulnerable, TTJ turns to a cross-section of key voices in the tourism industry to ask: Will the current global realignment reshape the business of travel?
8 min |
TTJ July 2025
Travel Trade Journal
US halts new student visa interviews amid plans to expand social media vetting
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has ordered U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide to halt scheduling new student visa interviews amid plans to expand social media screening for applicants.
1 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Fiji eyes inclusive tourism growth and stronger ties with India
Fiji’s tourism sector stands as a pillar of its economy, contributing nearly 40 per cent to the national GDP. In an exclusive conversation with Travel Trade Journal (TTJ) during the Fiji Tourism Exchange 2025, Hon. Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Fiji, offered a comprehensive perspective on Fiji’s growth trajectory.
3 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Exploring the timeless charm of BANGKOK and PHUKET with VIETJET THAILAND
There are trips you plan, and then there are journeys that surprise you, gently unfold, and leave their mark. My recent trip with Vietjet Thailand was the latter.
6 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
EgyptAir celebrates its 93rd anniversary in Delhi
EgyptAir celebrated its 93rd anniversary with a special evening on May 23, 2025, at Hotel Le Meridien, New Delhi.
1 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Discover an Authentic Maldivian Escape at Coco Bodu Hithi
Nestled in the turquoise expanse of the North Malé Atoll, the Coco Bodu Hithi resort offers an idyllic retreat to travellers looking for both tranquillity and adventure. Just 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, the island sits quietly away from the noisy grip of the city, offering a tranquil tropical escape that lulls the senses with its island rhythm and makes time slow to a gentle pace.
3 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Think Strawberries to represent Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City in India
Six Flags and Aquarabia Qiddiya City have appointed Think Strawberries as their official India representative to expand their presence in one of the fastest-growing travel markets.
1 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Balitrip Wisata marks 10 years with soft launch of ultra-luxury brand Maharaya Chambers
Balitrip Wisata marked its 10th anniversary last month with the soft launch of Maharaya Chambers, its new ultra-luxury travel vertical, during a grand event at Queen’s Tandoor in Seminyak.
1 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Travelebrium to foray into the B2B travel space with focus on tech-enabled growth
Aditya Darooka, Founder and CEO, Travelebrium, takes us through the company’s evolution and future roadmap. From its strong foundation in corporate, leisure, and sports travel, Travelebrium is now embracing technology and personalisation to redefine holiday planning. Its latest move, acquiring GottaHoliday, reflects a bold step toward delivering smarter, tailor-made experiences for today’s global travellers.
3 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
IATA AGM 2025 highlights India's strategic role in global aviation
The 81st IATA AGM 2025 and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) held from June 1 to 3 in New Delhi marked a defining moment for India's ascent in global aviation. This was the first time in 42 years that India hosted the prestigious global aviation gathering. Organised under the aegis of IATA and hosted by IndiGo, the event brought together around 1,700 senior representatives from airlines, governments, international organisations, and the media from around the world.
2 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Legends of Lake Lucerne: The Ultimate Cruise Experience in Switzerland
Set against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks and sapphire-blue waters, Lucerne’s newest luxury cruise experience, Legends of Lake Lucerne, offers an unforgettable blend of fine dining, scenic splendour, and rich storytelling aboard the historic steamship Gallia. This intimate five-hour journey through Switzerland’s most enchanting alpine lake landscape offers a magical way to discover Lucerne’s iconic lake and surroundings in unmatched style and serenity.
2 min |
TTJ June 2025
Travel Trade Journal
Air India launches 'There is an Air About India' campaign
Air India has unveiled a new campaign, 'There is an Air About India', a tribute to the new India that is bold, joyous, confident, and resoundingly vibrant. The campaign, which includes an OOH segment, print ads, and a stunning digital film, captures the essence of a nation on the rise that Air India is proud to carry around the world.
1 min |