Earlier this year, NIMA celebrated a decade of progress by marking 21st June as “World MICE Tourism Day,” symbolising its commitment to elevate India’s role in global tourism. Vikas Khanduri, NIMA’s Advisor, sees India’s potential to lead the MICE sector as vast, given the synergy between tourism and large-scale business events. He remarked that India’s unique cultural heritage, extensive tourism offerings, and competitive pricing make it ideal for the conferencing market. Khanduri envisions “World MICE Tourism Day” celebrated alongside World Yoga Day as a reflection of India’s leadership in both wellness and conferencing. “India has already proven that it can lead with Yoga, and now it’s time for us to showcase our leadership in the MICE industry,” he added.

NIMA co-founder Gajesh Girdhar emphasised the need for professionalism in India’s MICE industry to elevate the country’s global presence, stating, “For India to truly dominate the global MICE landscape, it’s essential that we raise awareness within the industry about how India can manage large-scale events with the utmost professionalism.” Girdhar aims to see India become the preferred destination for MICE events, not only for affordability and variety but also for its ability to handle large gatherings with precision akin to established hubs like Singapore and Dubai. By incorporating global best practices, NIMA strives to build a more knowledgeable and prepared MICE ecosystem.

A key initiative proposed by NIMA is to integrate “Yoga and Conferencing” to offer global participants a holistic experience. Rakesh Arora, NIMA’s Coordinator of Administration, Finance, and Membership, suggested that this approach could create a unique MICE offering by linking yoga, a globally recognised symbol of Indian wellness, with business events. Arora noted, “The government should seriously consider formalising this thought. When global MICE participants experience India’s holistic wellness traditions alongside their business conferences, it will elevate the impact of these events and promote Indian tourism on a global scale.”

Another cornerstone of NIMA’s strategy involves strong public-private partnerships, which Arora believes are essential for keeping India competitive in the global MICE market. He pointed out that India’s advantages, such as competitive pricing, diverse destinations and enthusiasm for hosting international events, combined with government support for new conference venues, position the country as a major player in the MICE market. NIMA also calls for government investment in training across all segments of the MICE workforce, from event organisers and hospitality staff to transport and visa facilitators, ensuring a high-quality experience for global delegates.

As India prepares to take a central role in the “ASEAN-India Year of Tourism in 2025,” NIMA’s vision for a Global MICE Day and India’s future as a MICE hub dovetails with the Prime Minister’s tourism agenda. NIMA believes that India can become a global leader in the MICE industry by fostering collaboration, upholding professional excellence and blending cultural heritage with modern conferencing. With optimism, NIMA’s leadership looks forward to collaborating closely with government and industry partners to strengthen India’s global MICE standing, welcoming the world to India for conferences and unforgettable travel experiences.

Guests can enjoy Dubai’s rich cultural heritage through exclusive experiences, starting with a grand arrival by traditional abra boats gliding along winding waterways. Passing through grand wooden doors, guests are warmly welcomed by their host. Gathering spaces like the majlis—a traditional Arabic ‘sitting room’—become centres of connection, where local delights such as hand-picked teas and artisanal brews are shared alongside complimentary daily aperitifs. Quiet courtyards and spacious terraces offer moments of reflection, while the ritual of bakhoor burning adds a peaceful, culturally significant aroma to the experience. Other unique touches include a tree-planting ceremony for a lasting legacy and a daily candy bicycle visit for children.

Guests at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf also enjoy access to Madinat Jumeirah’s energetic offerings, which include over 50 restaurants and bars, a private beachfront, the holistic Talise Spa, a newly refurbished Kids’ Club with mini-golf and the J Club—all accessible by foot or a scenic abra ride. This refurbishment reaffirms Dubai’s largest resort’s commitment to personalised luxury, building on the recent reimagining of the Malakiya Villas, unveiled in early 2023.

“The unveiling of the Arabian Houses marks a significant milestone for Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf as we celebrate our 20th anniversary,” said Peter Roth, Regional Vice President at Madinat Jumeirah and General Manager of Jumeirah Al Qasr. “This is a moment to honour our rich history while looking forward to the future of this treasured resort. Madinat Jumeirah inspired a new approach to hospitality in Dubai two decades ago, and with that legacy comes the responsibility to continuously innovate. As demand for authentic travel experiences grows, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf remains steadfast in its commitment to offering traditional Arabian hospitality matched with moments of enriched connection and conversation, bespoke to every guest.”

Speaking on the refurbishment, Sahar Al Yaseer, Founder of La Bottega Interiors added: “It was an honour to collaborate with Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf on the refurbishment of its stunning Arabian Houses. Our vision was to create a realm where interior design transcends the ordinary, embracing the essence of Arabia with an artful fusion of authenticity and contemporary palettes to cultivate a sense of profound peace.”

The refurbishment underscores Dubai’s largest resort’s ongoing commitment to creating bespoke experiences, following the recent remodelling of the Malakiya Villas unveiled in early 2023.

“Our new service represents a pivotal milestone for Nok Air as we strengthen our international network as a premium budget airline,” said Ranon Viputsiri, Chief Commercial Officer of Nok Air. “This enhanced connectivity between India and Bangkok will position Bangkok as a key gateway to Thailand, providing travellers seamless access to renowned destinations like Phuket and Chiang Mai, as well as lesser-known gems such as Chiang Rai, Nan, Trang, and many more ensuring a strong comprehensive travel experience.”

Nok Air is dedicated to providing an exceptional flying experience at an affordable price, reflected in its tagline, “We Fly Smiles.” Passengers can choose from two ticket types— Nok Air X-tra and Nok Max—each designed for comfort and convenience.

– Nok Air X-tra: Includes 20 kg of checked luggage, 7 kg of carry-on baggage, premium seating options, inflight entertainment and a complimentary snack box with a water bottle.

– Nok Max: Includes 30 kg of checked luggage, 7 kg of carry-on baggage, premium seating and a complimentary hot meal with Indian vegetarian or non-vegetarian options.

India is the third largest source of visitors to Thailand, with one million Indian tourists visiting between January and June 2024. Nok Air will operate a total of 12 flights between India and Thailand, including four weekly flights from Hyderabad and eight from Mumbai, offering passengers convenient flight times and premium services.

Guests are also invited to partake in the traditional Diya Lighting Ceremony, a ritual symbolising the welcoming of light and prosperity. The festivities will continue with a colourful Mehndi experience, where the artistry of intricate henna designs will be on display.

For young adventurers, the ‘Float Your Boat’ activity provides a fun-filled experience. Guided by the resort’s talented recreation team, children will design, build, decorate, and race their own handcrafted boats at the Bandhi Pool Bar.

As the evening unfolds, the Bandhi Pool Bar will host ‘The Great Indian Disco’, where guests can dance to Indian tunes mixed by resident DJ Tiddy, while enjoying a selection of spicy Indian-inspired drinks to keep the festive spirit going.

To capture the essence of the celebrations, guests can take memorable photos at the exclusive Diwali-themed photobooth, ensuring that the joy of the occasion is preserved long after the festivities conclude.
Heritance Aarah Maldives welcomes guests to immerse themselves in these vibrant Diwali celebrations, offering a unique blend of culture, exceptional dining across seven restaurants and five bars, and warm camaraderie, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives.

These fresh itineraries encompass 101 distinct destinations across 57 countries, featuring 62 UNESCO World Heritage sites. The programme includes 22 overnight port stops and 26 late-evening departures, providing guests with ample opportunities to discover the world. Noteworthy highlights include the fleet’s first visits to Ferrol, Spain and Acajutla, El Salvador, both on board Queen Victoria.

Members of the Cunard World Club will enjoy early booking access starting at 1 pm on 16 October 2024, ahead of the general public launch at 1 pm on 17 October 2024. Also guests who secure a place on one of Cunard’s new voyages between 16 October and 9 December 2024 will benefit from a 10% Early Booking Saving. This offer applies to selected voyages departing between 15 October 2026 and 30 April 2027 when booking a Cunard Fare or Early Saver Fare.

Katie McAlister, President of Cunard, said, “We are hugely excited to reveal our exciting new programme from October 2026 to April 2027, offering exceptional choice for every traveller. Whether you’re soaking up the excitement in Rio during Carnival or toasting New Year’s Eve in Amsterdam, Cunard’s voyages allow you to explore the world in unparalleled luxury.”

This year also commemorates a decade since the inception of India’s Act East Policy. According to the MEA Secretary, ASEAN nations have given a favourable assessment of India’s contributions, particularly in the realm of digital public infrastructure and its collaborative efforts across multiple sectors under this policy.

ASEAN leaders and Prime Minister Modi reviewed the comprehensive relationship between ASEAN and India. The leaders expressed appreciation for India’s diverse collaborations through the Act East Policy, particularly noting India’s pivotal role in digital public infrastructure, which is poised to significantly benefit ASEAN nations.

PM Modi announced a 10-point action plan aimed at enhancing connectivity and resilience with ASEAN. Among the various initiatives is the decision to celebrate 2025 as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism. The announcement of India’s commitment of USD 5 million towards joint tourism activities was warmly received by ASEAN leaders, marking a positive development in the region’s cooperation with India. Several people-centric initiatives were also introduced to celebrate the 10-year milestone of the Act East Policy.

Mazumdar underscored the importance of PM Modi’s participation in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit, which underscored India’s focus and commitment to the region and the East Asia Process.
PM’s attendance at these summits holds special significance as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Act East Policy. His participation for the 11th time in these meetings exemplifies India’s ongoing commitment to ASEAN and the broader East Asia Process.

Mazumdar also clarified that only a Chair statement, and not a Leaders’ statement, was issued at the East Asia Summit due to irreconcilable differences in the discussions over certain formulations.
PM Modi’s two-day visit to Laos, held from October 10-11 at the invitation of Laos Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, saw his participation in the 21st ASEAN-India Summit and the 19th East Asia Summit. In addition to these, he held bilateral meetings with leaders from Laos, Thailand and New Zealand, as well as South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Speaking at the global tourism body’s 24th Global Summit in Perth, Western Australia, Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC, said, “SMEs are a cornerstone of Travel and Tourism with millions of small enterprises providing services to customers, creating innovative start-ups and providing local knowledge to larger partners.”
Subscribers to this dynamic, free-to-join platform will gain access to a vast array of content, networking opportunities and educational programmes.

In the coming year, additional paid subscription options will be introduced, providing enhanced features and benefits designed to further aid SMEs on their path to success. For the first time, these enterprises can participate in a community where they can exchange ideas and resources to strengthen their businesses.

Matthew Upchurch, Vice Chair of Membership at WTTC and Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso, said, “The launch of the ‘Together in Travel’ community marks a significant milestone for WTTC in its mission to advocate for the interests of SMEs within the travel industry and drive positive change through meaningful engagement and support.”

The WTTC is forecasting a record-breaking year for travel and tourism in 2024, with the sector’s global economic contribution expected to reach an unprecedented USD 11.1 trillion.

SMEs are pivotal in fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovation within the industry. Many of today’s leading companies started as ideas around the kitchen table. It is estimated that up to 80 per cent of the sector is made up of SMEs, underscoring the importance of structured support to enhance productivity and impact.

The hotel will be part of the EDITION brand, a collection of unique hotels known for seamlessly blending cutting-edge design with innovative luxury experiences. EDITION Hotels are renowned for their dedication to exceptional quality, originality and modern service, consistently pushing the boundaries of traditional luxury. Each EDITION property is distinct, capturing the cultural and social essence of its location, resulting in a harmonious fusion of dining, entertainment and luxury services and amenities, all under one roof. By offering a distinctive collection of bespoke hotels, EDITION continues to redefine the concept of luxury hospitality.

Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, said, “We look forward to bringing the EDITION flair to the vibrant metropolis of Mumbai, where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly. The signing highlights our commitment to strengthening the presence of our luxury portfolio in India while demonstrating guests’ continued demand for luxury accommodations and experiences. We will continue to strategically expand our footprint and match brands with complementary destinations to cater to the ever-evolving guest demands. We are excited to team up once again with Prestige Falcon Realty Ventures Private Limited, to bring this vision to life.”

Irfan Razack, Chairman and Managing Director of Prestige Group, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Marriott International once again in redefining luxury hospitality in India. This milestone marks the arrival of The EDITION brand in South Asia reflecting our commitment to delivering excellent hospitality across brand propositions. With its vibrant energy and contemporary flair, The EDITION accurately captures the innovative spirit that defines Prestige Group. The Mumbai EDITION comes with the promise of a one-of-a-kind experience in Mumbai, offering unforgettable new-age hospitality at its finest.”

Located in the heart of Malaysian Borneo, Sabah boasts a stunning blend of sun, sand and sea, accompanied by a wealth of natural wonders. Known for its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, landmarks such as Mount Kinabalu, and diverse ecosystems within its rainforests, the region is a paradise for nature lovers, adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts and those keen on exploring different cultures.

Sabah is well connected to major Indian cities, with convenient flight options to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur, served by reputable airlines including Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Batik Air. This makes it an appealing short-haul destination for Indian travellers.

Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of Sabah Tourism Board, expressed his enthusiasm for the new partnership and said, “India is one of the most dynamic outbound travel markets in the world, and we are excited to tap into its potential with BlinkBrand Solutions. Sabah offers a truly unique ‘mountain high to ocean deep’ experience, from the majestic heights of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 meters, a UNESCO Global Geopark rich in biodiversity, to Sipadan, one of the world’s top dive destinations with unparalleled marine life. In between, visitors can explore pristine beaches, vibrant rainforests, exotic wildlife, rich cultural heritage and community-driven conservation tourism. This partnership opens up new opportunities to enhance Sabah’s presence in India and invite more visitors to discover the wonders of our beautiful destination.”

Noel Saxena, CEO of BlinkBrand Solutions, also shared his excitement about the partnership and said, “We are privileged to partner with Sabah for the Indian market and to facilitate greater accessibility to this remarkable destination for Indian travellers. With the rising trend of experiential travel among Indian tourists seeking unique and unexplored destinations, we firmly believe Sabah encompasses an array of attractions including fascinating wildlife, beaches, indigenous culture and warm welcoming people. We look forward to forging strong ties between Sabah and Indian Travel Fraternity, especially from focus cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai – with plans to extend outreach across India.”

Bidisha Mukherjee, Additional Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, accepted the recognition on behalf of the state, accompanied by rural representatives. The Union Ministry of Tourism organises the Best Tourism Village Competition, with the goal of promoting community-centric values and lifestyles while safeguarding cultural and natural assets.

Principal Secretary of the Tourism and Culture Department and Managing Director of the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board, Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, expressed his delight at the recognition. He remarked, “We are delighted that Pranpur, Sabarwani and Ladpura Khas have been recognised as the best tourism villages in our state. This award highlights our dedication to fostering rural tourism. These villages have successfully preserved their unique cultural heritage while simultaneously empowering the local community through tourism. We are committed to expanding this initiative to ensure that more rural areas can benefit from tourism and gain recognition on a global scale.”

Mukherjee commented, “This prestigious award will propel Pranpur, Sabarvani and Ladpura Khas to international recognition. We foresee a rise in both domestic and international visitors, which will create jobs and rejuvenate the local economy. Furthermore, it will help preserve our rich cultural heritage, including our ancient arts, crafts and traditions, for future generations. Notably, in 2023, Madla village in the Panna district received the Gold award and Khokhar village in Sidhi district was awarded Bronze in the Best Tourism Village competition.”