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On March 20, 2025, the Network of Indian MICE Agents achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian MICE association to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Union of Travel Industry.

The formal signing occurred during the International Conference on Uniting North and South for Sustainable Development in the Arctic, held at the Vivekananda International Foundation in New Delhi.

The MOU outlines a long-term collaboration focused on promoting Russian tourism internationally. This partnership aims to jointly develop and evaluate projects that enhance the visibility of Russian tourism, fostering mutual growth for both Russian entities and NIMA.

Nitin Mittal, NIMA's National Coordinator and Vadim Mamontov, Vice President of RST, signed the agreement. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished group of guests, including the Head of the Vivekananda Foundation, the Indian Ambassador to Russia and other senior dignitaries. Key members of the NIMA delegation, such as Vikas Khanduri Advisor Gajesh Girdhar, Chairman of the Governing Council Rakesh Arora, Head of Administration Finance and Membership and Prasanht Chaudhary Coordinator for CIS countries, were also present. NIMA has already established a working relationship with the Moscow City Tourism Council. With this new MOU, the association seeks to extend its cooperation with broader Russian entities, further strengthening its global network. As NIMA continues to grow, it remains dedicated to advancing India's MICE industry, fostering strategic partnerships, and empowering its members to thrive in an increasingly competitive international market.


#nima #mice #russianunion #travelnews #travelupdate #mou

EaseMyTrip has received board approval to acquire a 49 % stake in Big Charter, marking its entry into India's growing charter aviation sector. This move enhances its personalised air travel services offerings while expanding its reach, particularly in Tier 2 and 3 cities.

EaseMyTrip.com has secured in-principle approval to acquire a 49% stake in Big Charter, a major player in India's charter aviation sector. This acquisition marks a strategic entry for EaseMyTrip into the fast-growing non-scheduled and charter aviation market, expanding its ability to offer tailored air travel services to a broader customer base.

The Indian charter aviation industry, valued at USD 650.5 million, is expected to grow to USD 1.14 billion by 2033. This growth is driven by increased demand for regional connectivity, corporate travel, and private flying. Globally, the charter aviation sector is anticipated to surpass USD 33 billion by 2033, with rising disposable incomes, a desire for privacy and the demand for more flexible and time-sensitive travel options fueling this surge.

This acquisition positions EaseMyTrip as a comprehensive travel provider, tapping into high-margin segments such as charter services and Non-Scheduled Operator Permit operations. The move aligns with the company’s strategy to cater to high-net-worth individuals, corporate clients, and event travellers increasingly opting for private flying. By integrating its technology with Big Charter's existing operations, EaseMyTrips aims to enhance the booking process and improve the overall customer experience.

Additionally, the deal supports EaseMyTrip's broader mission to make travel more accessible, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where Big Charter has a strong presence. This acquisition will enable the company to expand its reach into remote regions and provide premium air travel options to a larger audience.

Big Charter has proven to be a leader in regional connectivity and NSOP operations, generating INR 128.75 crore in revenue for FY 2023-24. The partnership will unlock new opportunities and serve India's growing regional and charter aviation services in India.

Nishant Pitti, Chairman and Founder of EaseMyTrip, said, “This partnership is pivotal in making charter air travel more accessible across India. We aim to revolutionise the customer experience by combining EaseMyTrip's technology with Big Charter's expertise."

Sanjay Mandavia, Director of Big Charter, added, "Partnering with EaseMyTrip will enhance our growth and expand our reach, enabling us to offer more accessible, seamless travel options across India.”

#easemytrip #aviation #travelnews #latestupdate #aviationupdate #Bigcharter

Tata Group hospitality major Indian Hotels Company plans to add 4500 rooms through over 30 new properties in the next fiscal year as part of its ongoing expansion of having over 700 properties by 2030, its Managing Director and CEO Puneet Chhatwal said on Friday. The company, which introduced its new Claridges Collection on Friday, plans to have over 20 properties by 2030 under the new boutique luxury hotels brand, starting with the Claridges New Delhi Connemara, Chennai, and Blue Diamond, Pune, Chhatwal.

"We opened 25 hotels this year, and the next financial year will be north of 30. We used to say two hotels a month. No, we are getting close to 2.5 to 3 hotels a month. This is where we will be with 2.5 being the minimum," he said when asked about the company's expansion plans for 2025-26. Regarding the number of rooms to be added through the new properties in FY 26, Chhatwal said it could be around 4500, an average of 150 rooms per new hotel.

Under its Accelerate 2030 strategy, Indian Hotels Company announced that it planned to have a portfolio of over 700 hotels and double its consolidated revenue to INR 15,000 crore by 2030. He said the new Claridges Collection will cater to the luxury segment and offer bespoke experiences to discovering travellers; the Claridges Collection is being introduced through a partnership between IHCL and Claridges Hotels.

Chhatwal said IHCL plans to have around 20 properties under the Claridges Collection, adding these will be positioned at the heart of key gateway cities serving as epicentres of cultural and social prominence. The majority, 80 per cent, of the portfolio would be exciting properties. Fifteen could exist, and four to five will be new builds," he said when asked how hotels under the new collection would be developed.

Asked if the Claridges Collection will also expand abroad, he said, "It is an international name. So, it would also be nice to make it intentional. At this point, let's start with atleast four to five key markets in the Indian subcontinent."

Chhatwal said the brand is registered in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India. Claridges Hotels Suresh Nanda noted the collaboration with IHCL "marks a significant milestone in expanding the Claridges legacy of luxury and excellence across India".

#ihcl #clridges #hospitality #luxury #bookhotels #tatagroup #Hospitalitynews #hospitalityupdate 

IndiGo has launched direct flights between Mumbai and Seychelles, its 39th international destination. Operating four times a week, this new route enhances connectivity and offers affordable travel options to the island's paradise. Seychelles, renowned for its pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culture, has become more accessible to Indian travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

IndiGo, India's leading airline, has launched its new direct service between Mumbai and Seychelles, marking its 39th international and 130th overall destination. With this new route, IndiGo continues its commitment to connecting people, places, and cultures, offering four weekly flights to this exotic island paradise. The service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, making travel to Seychelles accessible and affordable.

Seychelles, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is renowned for its pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and rich biodiversity. It is home to rare wildlife, such as the Aldabra giant tortoise, and offers stunning resorts, lush rainforests, and world-class diving spots. The island Creole culture, which blends African, French, and Indian influences, adds to the allure of this tropical destination, making it ideal for honeymooners, nature lovers, and adventure enthusiasts alike.

IndiGo's new route enhances connectivity between the two nations, furthering the airline's mission to offer seamless travel experiences. The airline already operates over 1300 weekly departures from Mumbai, connecting to more than 75 destinations worldwide. This new addition provides greater flexibility for Indian travellers, ensuring an affordable and convenient way to explore Seychelle's natural beauty and cultural heritage. "We are thrilled to launch direct flights between Mumbai and Seychelles, marking a significant milestone for IndiGo", said Mr Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo. "This new route will provide our customers with an easy gateway to Seychelles beaches and vibrant culture, but alos strengthen the bond between our nations. As we continue to expand our global presence, we are committed to delivering exceptional service that is both affordable and hassle-free,"

The Seychelles islands are famous for their biodiversity, with notable sites like Aldabra Atoll, one of the largest coral atolls raised in the world, and the presence of endangered species like the Seychelles Black Parrot. With year-round when weather and exceptional opportunities for diving, the destination is a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, offering visitors both relaxation and adventure.

#indigo #airlines #seychelles #beautifuldestinations #aviation #travelupdate #news 

The Goa Department of Tourism is intensifying efforts to combat touts and illegal businesses on the state's beaches. New directives have been issued to beach shack operators and associations to ensure only authorized enterprises operate. Legal measures will be provided if necessary, and tourists are encouraged to report grievances via the Beach Vigil App.

The government of Goa's Department of Tourism has announced a firm crackdown on the increasing issue of touts and illegal business activities on the state's beaches. This initiative aims to improve tourists' safety, security and overall experience while ensuring that only authorized businesses can operate in designated beach areas.

To address the growing concern, the department has issued a directive to beach shack operations, local beach associations, and other irrelevant stakeholders, urging them to take immediate steps to prevent touts and unauthorized vendors from operating on beach premises. Beach associations have been tasked with implementing proactive measures to control the situation. Should these measures fail, the Department of Tourism will intervene using legal mechanisms to address the issue and end illegal activities.

In addition, shack operators have been reminded to ensure that no illegal business operates within their premises. The department is also considering implementing more stringent regulations to effectively empower beach associations to manage these challenges. Kedar Naik, Director of Tourism, commented, "The Department of Tourism is committed to fostering a hassle-free and tourist-friendly environment in Goa. Addressing the issue of touts and illegal business on our beaches is crucial to safeguarding the state's reputation as a leading travel destination. We will continue to ensure visitors enjoy our beaches peacefully and actively." To assist in resolving these issues, tourists and stakeholders are encouraged to report any complaints related to touts via the Beach Vigil App. This measure supports the government's ongoing efforts to offer a seamless, trouble-free experience for all visitors to Goa.

#goatourism #visitgoa #associations #localvendor #goaupdate #goatourism 

The US Embassy in India cancelled 2000 visa appointments after uncovering a fraudulent scheme using bots to book slots. The fraud involved agents using fake documents to secure visas, prompting action from both US and Indian authorities. This move disrupts many applicants' plans and signals stricter implementation to maintain the integrity of the visa process.

The US Embassy in India has cancelled approximately 2000 visa appointments after discovering widespread fraudulent activities in its appointment scheduling system. The embassy announced on Wednesday that the Consular Team India identified "bad actors" who had exploited the system using bots to secure these slots, violating official scheduling policies. Effective immediately, the embassy has terminated these appointments and suspended the scheduling privileges of the associated accounts.

This development follows an internal investigation conducted by the embassy between May and August last year, which uncovered a network of 30 agents involved in deceptive practices. The agents, linked to multiple IP addresses, were found to have submitted forged documents to secure visas for applicants. The investigation also identified connections to visa consultants, document vendors, passport delivery services, and education consultants.

The crackdown has also prompted action from Indian authorities. On February 27, Delhi Police registered a case against numerous visa and passport agents after the US Embassy flagged the fraud. These appointments were cancelled amid intensified scrutiny of immigration policies under the Trump administration, which took office two months ago. Since January, President Donald Trump has focused on strengthening US border security, a key campaign promise. This has led to the deportation of thousands who entered the country illegally, including via the infamous donkey route, an irregular migration path facilitated by agents promising entry into the US.

The US Embassy's zero-tolerance policy reflects a broader effort to maintain the integrity of its consular services. The move has disrupted the plans of many applicants, though the embassy has not yet detailed how affected individuals can reschedule. For years, India's US visa application process has been a target for intermediaries promising to expedite appointments or guarantee approvals, often at exorbitant fees. As the investigation continues, authorities on both sides are expected to intensify their collaboration to root out fraudulent networks, ensuring that only legitimate applicants gain access to US visas.

This heightened scrutiny may lead to stricter verification measures, potentially strengthening the process but aiming to restore trust in the system. Meanwhile, genuine applicants are urged to rely solely on official channels, avoiding scams that prey on their aspirations to travel or work in the US. This crackdown reflects a zero-tolerance stance on fraud, targeting those exploiting the high demand for US visas. The cancellations have sparked concerns among applicants, many facing wait times exceeding 400 days for non-immigrant visas like B1/B2.

#travelupdate #usaembassy #usvisa #fraud #fakedocuments #visaupdate visanews #indiannationals

SpiceJet announces the launch of 24 new domestic flights for Summer 2025, adding three new destinations: Tuticorin, Porbandar, and Dehradun. The airline will introduce new routes, including Ahmedabad, Srinagar and Pune Varanasi, and reconnect Bengaluru with Goa and Pune with Chennai. Starting from March 30, 2025, these additions enhance connectivity across India for summer travellers.

Spice Jet has unveiled its Summer 2025 schedule, introducing 24 domestic flights and three new destinations: Tuticorin, Porbandar and Dehradun. Starting on March 30 2025, the new routes will enhance connectivity across India, offering more travel options for passengers. Tuticorin will be connected to Chennai and Bengaluru with daily direct flights and twice-daily flights to Chennai. The airline will also offer direct flights from Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai to Dehradun, offering access to the scenic hill station in the Himalayas; Porbandar will have a non-stop service to Mumbai operating twice a week from April 1 2025.

Additionally, SpiceJet is strengthening its domestic network by introducing flights in the Ahme3dabad Srinagar and Pune Varanasi routes alongside reconnecting Bengaluru with Goa and Pune with Chennai. Debojo Maharshi, Chief Business Officer at SpiceJet, said, "We are excited to present 24 new flights connecting passengers to some of India's most picture-friendly destinations. These new routes ensure seamless travel to Dehradun, Tuticorin and Porbandar and offer more options for popular sectors like Ahmedabad, Srinagar and Pune Varanasi. Spice Jet remains committed to making travel affordable and accessible to everyone."


#spicejet #newdestinations #summerflights #travelnews #travelupdate 

A fire at a nearby electrical substation led to a blackout at London Heathrow Airport on Friday, halting flights and highlighting vulnerabilities in the airport's infrastructure. While backup systems allowed some aircraft to land, entire operations were not supposed until late Friday. The incident raises concerns about Heathrow's preparedness and plans for expansion.

London Heathrow's unprecedented blackout on Friday has brought the airport's reliance on potentially vulnerable infrastructure into focus at a time when the biggest UK hub is lobbying for an ambitious expansion plan. A fire late Thursday at a nearby electrical substation cut off the power supply to Heathrow, bringing flights to a standstill for almost all of Friday. While backup systems kicked in, only allowing the hub to land some aircraft and evacuate passengers but not to support entire operations, a few flights resumed late on Friday, mainly to repatriate dislocated passengers.

Smoke from a fire at North Hyde Electricity Substation near London Heathrow Airpot in London on March 21. The public blowback to the outage was swift, with Willie Walsh, the former chief executive officer of British Airways IAG SA and now IATA director, saying it was "another case of Heathrow letting down both travellers and airlines."

Walsh said it is a "clear planning failure by the airport" if critical national infrastructure relies on one energy source without an alternative. At the same time, given that Europe's busiest airport uses as much energy as a small city, keeping enough power capacity in reserve to meet such demand is complicated. Heathrow hasn't suffered an outage on that scale in at least two decades, with previous disruptions typically caused by strikes, weather, or air traffic control computer glitches.

"Lots of people would say it seems like a greater level of redundancy could have been built in, but ultimately, you have to pay for that," said Robin Preece, a lecturer in future power systems at the University of Manchester. "It's a question of how much you're willing to pay for situations which are unlikely to arise."

Airports around the UK are connected to substations like Heathrow, and it is not unusual for some to be dependent on a single catastrophic failure to ensure, Preece said in an interview. While infrequent, such fires can be caused by various factors, said John Loughhead, an electrical engineering expert at the Institution of Engineering and Technology. Some equipment in the substations, such as oil and circuit breakers, are flammable or can trigger explosions.

"It is surprising that as a part of our national critical infrastructure, Heathrow does not have an alternative supply point in case of accidents like this," he said in an email. The incident comes when Heathrow is trying to position itself for expansion and remain competitive against other international hubs like Dubai and Paris. Heathrow recently got the go-ahead from the UK government to build a third runway, a concept that has been considered for decades to increase passenger numbers.

Heathrow installed next-generation luggage scanners across the security lanes at all its terminals. Bloomberg News reported earlier this month that the airport is set to miss the government deadline in June, which was already extended by a year.

Guy Gratto, an associate professor of aviation and the environment at Cranfield University, said the fallout from Friday's blackout would have been worse had Heathrow already had a third runway. He said there is currently little spare capacity across UK airports to help accommodate disrupted passengers from Heathrow's shutdown.

"Heathrow runs at near 100% saturation," Gratton said.

#airport #operations #aviation #powersupply #heathrow  infrastrusture 

Many Pune residents take advantage of the long weekend coinciding with Guid Padwa and Eid holidays to travel to local destinations like Mahabaleshwar, Khandala, and Kasid. Travel agencies report increased bookings and famous locations are seeing heightened occupancy and demand for last-minute travel arrangements.

Gudi Padwa falls on Sunday, and Monday is a holiday because of Eid Kothrud resident Puneet Ishware and his wife's decision to spend two days in Mahabaleshwar. "Gudi Padwa is mainly celebrated at home, and going on a holiday is rare. With the next day being a holiday, we thought of going to Mahabaleshwar to escape the city heat," he said.

The long weekend has allowed many to skip Monday morning blues and head out with family and friends. Travel agents in the city said many families have booked travel to destinations like Mahabaleshwar, Khandala, Bhor, Vella and Kashid.

"We have been getting queries and registered some bookings. After celebrating Gudi Padwa rather than heading off to work the next day, the Eid holiday has become a blessing for many families. Many have taken two additional off days and are going to various destinations on a short holiday," a travel company executive said.

Nilesh Bhansali, owner of Devam Tours and Travels and president of the Travel Agents Association of Pune, said, "During short holidays like Gudi Padwa and Eid, people tend to explore local destinations that offer a refreshing escape. Many prefer trekking to scenic spots, discovering new trails, and spending evenings at mountain or hillside locations. We have observed an interesting trend during Gudi Padwa and Eid.

People celebrating Gudi Padwa generally prefer staying at home and enjoying the activities. Still, the excitement of purchasing new vehicles often leads them to opt for long drives or visit nearby destinations. On the other hand, those celebrating Eid typically prefer spending time with family at home. Due to the ongoing exams, many also choose short trips to nearby places rather than heading outstation."

Kedar Lokhande, who lives in Kalyaninagar and works as a senior mechanical engineer with a private firm, decided to spend four days in Kashid. "I took some days off, and so did my wife. We were tired of working continuously and decided to take a break. We will leave on Saturday after celebrating Guid Padwa," he said.

"Goa, Mahabaleshwar and Jaipur have emerged as top destinations for domestic travel, with resort properties reporting increased occupancy. These destinations are easily accessible from Pune, making them ideal for short getaways. Additionally, beach destinations like Puducherry and heritage-rich spots like Udaipur are seen as being of strong interest. The Eid weekend has also driven up hotel rates, with five-star properties seeing a 10-15 per cent surge in pricing. Similarly, airlines are tapping into the demand surge with targeted discounts to cater to last-minute bookings. Overall, these years-long weekends have significant travel momentum with travellers planning their trips well in advance." Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip.

Pune: Guid Padwa falls on Sunday, and Monday is a holiday because of Eid. Kothrud resident Puneet Ishware and his wife have decided to spend two days in Mahabaleshwar.

"Gudi Padwa is mostly celebrated at home, and going on a holiday is rare; with the next day being a holiday, we thought of going to Mahabaleshwar to escape the city heat," he said.

The long weekend has allowed many to skip Monday morning blues and head out with family and friends. Travel agents in the city said that many families have booked trips to destinations like Mahabaleshwar, Khandala, Bhor, Vella, and Kashid.

"We have been getting queries and registered some bookings. After celebrating Gudi Padwa rather than heading off to work the next day, the Eid holiday has become a blessing for many families. Many have taken two additional off days and are going to various destinations on short holidays," a travel company executive said.

Nilesh Bhansali, owner of Devam Tours and Travels and president of the Travel Agents Association of Pune, said, "During short holidays like Gudi Padwa and Eid, people like to explore local destinations that offer a refreshing escape. Many prefer trekking to scenic spots, discovering new trails, and spending the evenings at mountain or hillside locations.

We have observed an interesting trend during Gudi Padwa and Eid. People celebrating Gudi Padwa generally prefer staying at home and enjoying the festivities. Still, the excitement of purchasing new vehicles often leads them to opt for long drives or visit nearby destinations. On the other hand, those celebrating Eid typically prefer spending time with family at home. Due to the ongoing exams, many also choose short trips to nearby places rather than heading outstation."

Kedar Lokhande, who lives in Kalyaninagar and works as a senior mechanical engineer at a private firm, decided to spend four days in Kashid. "I took some days off, and so did my wife. We were tired of working continuously and decided to take a break. We will leave on Sunday after celebrating Guid Padwa," he said.

"Goa, Mahabaleshwar and Jaipur have emerged as top destinations for domestic travel, with resort properties reporting increased occupancy. These destinations are easily accessible from Pune, making them ideal for short getaways. Additionally, beach destinations like Puducherry and heritage-rich sports like Udaipur are seen as being of intense interest.

The Eid weekend has also driven up hotel rates, with five-star properties seeing a 10-15 per cent surge in pricing. Similarly, airlines are tapping into the demand surge with targeted discounts to cater to last-minute bookings. Overall, this year's long weekends have fueled significant travel momentum with travellers planning their trips well in advance," said Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder of EaseMyTrip.

#longweekend #tipideas #holidays #festivals #indianfestivals #travelplan #travelnews #travelupdate 

BOC Aviation has ordered 120 single-aisle aircraft from Airbus and Boeing consisting of 70 A320 NEO jets and 50 Boeing 737 Bus to enhance its expansion. The deliveries are scheduled from 2031 to 2032 with conversion rights to other variants. This strengthens BOC Aviation's position as a leading global aircraft lessor, demonstrating confidence in fuel-efficient aircraft to meet future air travel demand.

Singapore-based aircraft leasing firm BOC Aviation said that on Monday, it ordered 120 single-aisle planes from Airbus and Boeing to boost its expansion plans. The company ordered 70 A320NEO aircraft from Europe's Airbus and 50 737-8s from US rival Boeing. The Airbus planes are scheduled for delivery through 2032 and include conversion rights to other variants of the A320NEO family, BOC Aviation said.

Delivery of the Boeing jets is set for 2031 and includes conversion rights to other variants of the B737 family. No prices were revealed. "This transaction will lift our remaining Airbus order book to around 200 aircraft and take sour total Airbus aircraft deliveries to over 700 since our first order in 1996,' BOC chief executive and managing director Steven Townend said.

'This order solidifies our position as one of the top five global aircraft operating lessors and provides us with a strong delivery pipeline into the next decade.'

Benoit de Saint Exupery, executive vice president for sales at Airbus's commercial aircraft business, described the deal as a significant investment by BOC, highlighting the strong and continued market demand for our fuel-efficient aircraft and their long-term value.

Brand Mc Mullen, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, said the other demonstrates the conference lessors have in this airplane to meet continued air travel demand and improve fuel efficiency. BOC has a portfolio of more than 800 planes and engines owned and managed, and on order as of the end of last year, its fleet was leased to 92 airlines in 48 countries worldwide. The firm's Hong Kong-listed shares edged down 0.2 per cent in morning trade.