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.

Before joining Mayfair, Gupta was associated with Accor India & South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group and Sahara Airlines, overseeing sales operations across key markets.

With his deep industry knowledge and proven leadership, Gupta is expected to contribute significantly to Mayfair Hotels’ commercial growth and development initiatives.

Despite the tightened regulations, law-abiding tourists adhering to the usual 30 or 60-day visa terms should not be affected. The government also plans to introduce more immigration checkpoints to bolster border security and improve monitoring of movement.

Overall, Indonesia’s visa reforms demonstrate a strong commitment to upholding law and order, while reinforcing efforts to combat transnational crime within the country.

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.

UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds paid tribute, calling Tata a “titan of the business world” who played a significant role in shaping British industry.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Tata as a “visionary business leader, compassionate soul and an extraordinary human being.” Modi, deeply saddened by his passing, reflected on their “countless interactions” in a tribute shared on X.

Shahnaz Husain, founder of The Shahnaz Husain Group expressed her condolences and said, “I had the honour of meeting Ratan Tata, albeit briefly, during an event that celebrated the achievements of Indian enterprises on the global stage.” When introduced to him, he greeted me with a warm smile and, in his characteristic understated manner, said, ‘You have taken Ayurveda to the world; I have taken India to the world.’ Those words, so simple yet powerful, have stayed with me ever since. He was a role model and inspiration to the world. His kind of person who lived and loved will never be born again.”

N. Chandrasekaran, Tata Sons Chairman, expressed, “On behalf of the entire Tata family, I extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we work to uphold the values he so passionately championed.”

National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and PDP’s Iltija Mufti condoled the death of Ratan Tata, saying he was a humble man whose contribution can never be forgotten.

“It is shocking. He (Tata) was a humble man. He opened his family organisation for everyone. He took his company to the entire world,” Abdullah said.

Tata’s passing marks the loss of a leader who transformed Indian business market. His leadership, humility and commitment to social responsibility earned him admiration worldwide. Tributes emphasise not only his business achievements but also his remarkable kindness. Tata’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

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.

Those wishing to apply for Kenya’s Digital Nomad visa must fulfil several essential criteria. These include holding a valid passport, providing proof of remote work conducted outside of Kenya, demonstrating evidence of accommodation within the country and presenting a clean criminal record. Additionally, applicants are required to meet a minimum annual income threshold of €50,000.

While the announcement of the Digital Nomad visa has sparked significant interest, some aspects remain unclear, such as the permit’s validity period, associated costs and the official launch date of the scheme. Further details are expected to be revealed in the coming days.

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.”