Safari India Magazine

28/06/2024

On such a rainy day, take a break and catch up with all the news from the travel world.

27/06/2024

According to its Mid-Year Report for its Asia Pacific Visitor Forecast 2024-2026, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) predicts strong gains in Asia Pacific international visitor arrivals for 2024, reinforcing its original forecast figures released earlier this year.

According to its Mid-Year Report travel for Asia Pacific Visitor Forecast, PATA predicts strong gains in Asia Pacific international visitor arrivals for 2024.

27/06/2024

Sterling Holidays, a pioneer in the holiday segment across India, signed an MOU with the Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), a premier institute for hospitality education in India. The partnership's strategic aim is to elevate Sterling's professionals' skills and talents by offering ISH’s globally recognised curriculums, innovative learning methods, and expert mentoring from industry leaders. The initiative is to help foster young talent and prepare future leaders to support Sterling’s growth plans in the country.

Sterling Holiday Resorts, India’s leading leisure hospitality brand, has announced its Emerging Leaders’ Development Program, powered by knowledge partners ISH.

27/06/2024

Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts has announced the addition of Kashi Anandam in Varanasi into its portfolio. Nestled on the banks of the Ganges River, this property offers a retreat for business and leisure travellers, promising a blend of modern luxury and traditional charm. With its strategic location, guests can easily access the city's cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and market.

Eight Continents Hotels and Resorts has announced the addition of Kashi Anandam in Varanasi into its portfolio. It is situated on the banks of the Ganga.

27/06/2024

Air New Zealand has made significant progress towards achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with the arrival of its first shipment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Wellington. This is the airline’s first delivery of SAF to the nation’s capital city.

Air New Zealand has made progress toward its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 with the arrival of its first shipment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Wellington, marking its first delivery of SAF to the capital city.

27/06/2024

Cathay Pacific will leave American Airlines Terminal 8 at New York JFK airport and relocate to the new Terminal 6 once the first 5 gates open. The move is expected by early 2026. Once the move happens, Cathay will open its own roughly 10,000-square-foot lounge there, its second in the U.S. after San Francisco.

Cathay Pacific will leave the American Airlines Terminal 8 at New York JFK airport over the next few months. It will relocate to the new Terminal 6 once the first 5 gates open there, projected for early 2026. Aviation

27/06/2024

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sarovar Hotels & Resorts announced the news of its new hotel in Dhikuli, Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand.

The post stated, “With unparalleled access to breathtaking nature and signature hospitality, Sarovar Hotels is coming soon to Jim Corbett. Stay tuned for more updates!” Further details about the hotel are yet to be revealed, but it has been confirmed that it will be part of the Sarovar Portico chain and be located in Dhikuli. This will make it the first property of Sarovar Hotels in the area.

In a social media post, Sarovar Hotels announced the news of its new hotel in Dhikuli, Jim Corbett, Uttarakhand. The opening date for the hotel is yet to be revealed.

27/06/2024

The Leisure Hotels Group (LHG) has recently made several key appointments to their senior management team. LHG welcomed Ritesh Bhatt, Sanjay Wadhwa, Sanjeev Kumar, and V.K. Sharma, all senior hospitality professionals with extensive experience in luxury resort operations, people management, and culture. This strategic move reflects the group's ongoing efforts to enhance operational excellence and underscore its commitment to developing leadership within the organization, which is crucial for refining guest experiences through personalized services.

LHG appointed Ritesh Bhatt, Sanjay Wadhwa, Sanjeev Kumar, and V.K. Sharma to their senior management team to enhance operational excellence and leadership development for refined guest experiences.

27/06/2024

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has appointed Sheetal Singh as the General Manager of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, and Megha Bhatia as the General Manager of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa.

https://safariindia.com/people-and-appointments/ihcl-appoints-new-general-managers-at-goas-resorts-4782637

Taj Hotels

The Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has appointed Sheetal Singh as the General Manager of Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa, and Megha Bhatia as the General Manager of Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa.

27/06/2024

Postcard Travel Club, an inclusive community of conscious luxury travellers, travel designers,
storytellers, and boutique properties that collectively advance responsible tourism, has formed a
strategic alliance with RARE India, a collection of boutique hotels, wildlife lodges, and retreats
across India, Bhutan, and Nepal.

In travel trends, the partnership unites two companies advancing responsible tourism and enhancing their commitment to the environment and community engagement.

27/06/2024

The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) has revealed that the User Development Fee (UDF), levied on passengers as part of their air tickets, will be increased by 50% at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. The rules will be enacted at the Adani-run airport on July 1, 2024.

The Airport Economic Regulatory Authority in aviation has revealed that hikes on passengers and airlines will now be levied at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

27/06/2024

Mumbai's first underground metro is all set to change how Mumbaikars travel. For the line, Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation - MMRC has successfully completed the Research Designs and Standards Organisation trials of Rolling Stock for Metro Line 3, also known as the Aqua Line. Watch its very first trial run!

Mumbai's first underground metro, from Aarey Colony to Bandra-Kurla Complex, will change how Mumbaikars travel. Watch the very first trial run video done for the line!

27/06/2024

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will launch daily flights between Singapore and Beijing’s Daxing International Airport on November 11 this year. Located in the south of Beijing, the airport gives customers convenient access to the Beijing, Hebei, and Tianjin regions, where several world cultural heritage sites are located, via a network of highways, subways, and railways.

Singapore Airlines will start flying to Beijing's Daxing Airport beginning November. The airline has also announced additional flights to Beijing. Travel.

27/06/2024

Embroiled in dispute with the cabin crew and unions and with its image taking a beating, Air India Express is on a flight to recovery. The airline has launched what it claims is its biggest sale ever, offering massive discounts on flights across its network.
The sale applies to bookings made till June 28, 2024, for travel valid until September 30, 2024.

Air India Express has launched a splash sale with ticket prices as low as Rs 883. Bookings can be made on the airline's website and mobile app. Airline. Travel.

27/06/2024

On this rainy day, Safari India is here to bring you the latest news from the travel world. Click on the link to know more.

26/06/2024

According to Reuters, the Indian Government is unlikely to allow the resumption of passenger flights to and from China until tensions at their Himalayan border lessen. Beijing supposedly considers this a high-priority problem, yet the deadlock persists.

According to Reuters, the Indian government is unlikely to authorize the resumption of passenger flights to and from China until tensions at the Himalayan border subside. Beijing claims that this is a high-priority issue, but the standoff persists.

26/06/2024

Booking airline tickets has been easier! IndiGo, India's top carrier, has released . It is a WhatsApp chatbot powered by artificial intelligence that allows passengers to book flights directly through an instant messaging service.

IndiGo has launched 6Eskai, an AI conversational booking assistant, on WhatsApp. With this expansion to IndiGo's digital ecosystem, the airline hopes to provide seamless travel solutions to its consumers.

26/06/2024

Vadodara, Gujarat, has marked a historic milestone by launching a 130-meter-long steel bridge for India's first Bullet Train Project on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway. This bridge will provide a seamless connection between the Vadodara and Anand Bullet Train stations, representing a significant advancement in India's high-speed rail infrastructure. The project's goal is to improve travel efficiency and connectivity between these critical centres, which aligns with current initiatives to upgrade and expand transportation networks across the country.

https://safariindia.com/travel-industry/vadodara-launches-key-steel-bridge-for-indias-first-bullet-train-on-delhi-mumbai-expressway-4781207

National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited

A 130-meter-long steel bridge for India's first Bullet Train Project on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway was inaugurated in Vadodara, Gujarat, marking a historic milestone.

26/06/2024

Namaste Dwaar , a premium resort property offered by Namaste Holidays in Mansurpur, a midway transit centre for travellers travelling from Delhi to Haridwar and beyond, is expanding its Mansurpur services. Started a decade ago with Namaste Midway, the country's first highway food street, the Rathi family, the owners, expanded their offerings with a 45-room resort a few years ago and are now in the process of adding another aspect to the 12-acre property adjacent to the NH-58 - an exclusive wellness village.

Namaste Dwaar, a premium resort property offered by Namaste Holidays in Mansurpur, a midway transit centre for travellers travelling from Delhi to Haridwar and beyond, is currently developing its Mansurpur offerings.

26/06/2024

Liverpool has announced the signing of a multi-year sponsorship deal with Japan Airlines (JAL). The global partnership sees the carrier become the club’s official airline partner, something that the club haven’t had since the end of their partnership with Malaysia Airlines in 2019.

In travel trends, In a major sponsorship deal which will boost the football team's revenues, Liverpool Football Club has announced a global deal with Japan Airlines for the carrier to become the club's official airline partner

26/06/2024

The construction of Delhi's second airport, a high-profile project, has been delayed by four months. This adds to India's airline capacity constraints following a record aircraft order. Commercial operations will now commence in April 2025, four months later than the planned timetable of the end of 2023, according to a representative for Noida International Airport Limited (NIAL), the firm building the airport. NIAL is owned by Zurich Airport, which won the bid to build the airport in 2019, 18 years after then-Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Rajnath Singh first proposed it.

The development of Delhi's second airport, a high-profile project, has been delayed for four months. This adds to India's airline capacity problems after a record aircraft order. Commercial operations will now begin in April 2025.

26/06/2024

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a Taj-branded hotel in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The hotel is a greenfield project. The 150-key hotel is conveniently located in the middle of the city. It will have all-day dining, a bar, two speciality restaurants, and the J Wellness Circle spa. In addition, the hotel will include over 10,000 square feet of banqueting space to accommodate events.

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) has announced the signing of a Taj-branded hotel in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The hotel is a greenfield project. The 150-key hotel is conveniently located in the middle of the city.

26/06/2024

OYO, a global hospitality technology firm, has announced the opening of Palette Royal Reflections Hotel and Spa, its first luxury hotel in Dubai. Built in 2014, it has 100 rooms to ensure guest comfort. The hotel is located in Dubai's Al Jaddaf district and offers views of the Burj Khalifa. It is located on the banks of the famous Dubai Creek, providing tourists with waterfront views.

OYO, a global hospitality technology firm, has announced the opening of Palette Royal Reflections Hotel and Spa, its first luxury hotel in Dubai. The hotel is located in Dubai's Al Jaddaf district and offers views of the Burj Khalifa.

26/06/2024

As reported by Safari India two days ago, Tata Group and Singapore Airlines joint venture airline Vistara has won the ‘Best Airline in India & South Asia’ award for the fourth consecutive year. The airline has also bagged the ‘Best Airline Staff Service in India & South Asia’ award for the sixth time in a row at the 2024 World Airline Awards by Skytrax.

Vistara was also recognized as ‘Best Cabin Crew in India & South Asia’ for the fourth consecutive year and ‘Best Business Class Airline in India & South Asia ’ for the third successive year. Furthermore, the airline maintained its ranking as the 16th best airline globally, making Vistara the only Indian carrier to feature in the list of the World’s Top 20 Airlines for the third time.

In airline trends news, the airline has been ranked the 16th Best airline globally for the second year in a row. Vistara has also been named as the best for airline staff service in India & South Asia for the sixth consecutive year.

26/06/2024

IndiGo has announced the launch of additional daily, nonstop flights between Mumbai and Jeddah, effective August 15, 2024. This strategic expansion caters to the growing demand for travel between India and the Middle East.

The airline will now fly to Jeddah 14 times every week from Mumbai. At present, IndiGo has a daily flight to Jeddah, and hence, the frequency between the two cities will be doubled.

Mumbai Airport CSMIA Jeddah Airport

In airline industry news, IndiGo has announced that it will double the frequency of flights between Jeddah and Mumbai. The airline will now operate 14 weekly flights from August 15, 2024.

26/06/2024

Etihad Airways’s newest bespoke livery has been revealed. The design’s line-style art celebrates the intricate beauty of unity, with each stroke embodying the essence of the airline’s home. It reflects the rich history that the UAE national airline has developed over the last twenty years as one of Abu Dhabi’s most important home-grown brands.

Etihad celebrates its 20th Anniversary with a special edition Airbus Neo aircraft.

The design has been applied to one of the A321neos that has just joined the airline’s fleet and artfully showcases iconic landmarks across Abu Dhabi.

In airline trends, The airline has showcased special livery on one of the six A321Neos joining its fleet. The livery marks the 20 year journey of Etihad with a vision to the future.

26/06/2024

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with leading developer Arkan Palm for Real Estate Investment to expand its presence in Egypt by launching the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in the country. As IHG’s largest and fastest-growing hotel brand, with more than 3,100 hotels worldwide, Holiday Inn Express is dedicated to simplifying travel with accessible and comfortable accommodations at every stage. Set to open in 2027, Holiday Inn Express West Cairo 205 will meet the needs of today’s tech-savvy and on-the-go travellers.

In hotel industry news, the long standing partnership with Arkan Palm for Real Estate Investment sees IHG’s expansion in Egypt with the new 200-keys Holiday Inn Express West Cairo 205.

26/06/2024

Emirates was awarded a total of 7 accolades at the 2024 Skytrax World Airline Awards, held yesterday in Fairmont Windsor Park, London. While Qatar Airways bagged the airline of the year, Emirates got most of the titles for best in class in the Middle East region, barring two. Emirates got the World's Best Airline Inflight Entertainment and Best First Class Airline Comfort Amenities awards. In the regional awards, Emirates got 5 accolades, including Best First Class Airline in the Middle East, Best First Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East, Most Family Friendly Airline in the Middle East, Best Premium Economy Class Airline in the Middle East and Best Premium Economy Class Onboard Catering in the Middle East.

Emirates garnered the awards from the votes of thousands of business and leisure travellers in more than 100 countries. Travel and aviation industry members attended the ceremony, and Graham Pepe, Emirates’ Corporate Sales Manager, UK, accepted the awards.

In airline trends, while Qatar Airways walked away with the Airline of The Year Award, competitor Emirates could only bag two global awards, besides 5 regional awards, taking its tally at the gala to 7.

26/06/2024

Safari India is here to kickstart your day with the latest news of the travel industry.