MICE TOURISM KOCHI
Kerala to launch digital dashboard for real-time monitoring of projects
Kerala plans to introduce a digital dashboard at the Chief Minister's Office for project monitoring. This initiative aims to track infrastructure project progress and accelerate implementation. The Saral Keralam Act simplifies investment approval processes by unifying existing laws. Additionally, the government will promote major developments such as an international convention centre in Kochi.
Cordelia Cruises targets top-five global cruise market status for India by 2032
Cordelia Cruises intends to expand its fleet to enhance domestic cruise tourism and increase capacity. The company currently operates two ships and plans to introduce a third earlier than expected. It emphasizes the potential of the Indian market, noting significant opportunities due to the coastline. The impact of rising fuel prices has affected operating costs, yet the company remains profitable.
India's MICE sector to grow by 12-14 pc annually for next 3-5 years: NIMA
The MICE sector in India is set to experience an annual growth of 12-14 percent over the next five years. Meanwhile, destination weddings are skyrocketing with year-on-year growth rates of 15-20 percent. Tier II and III cities are increasingly recognized as promising locations for MICE and wedding events.
Waterways Leisure Tourism announces price band for its IPO opening on June 23
Waterways Leisure Tourism, operator of Cordelia Cruises, has set a price band of Rs 769-808 for its Rs 585 crore IPO opening June 23. Proceeds will support fleet-related lease payments, while expansion plans and improving profitability position the company for growth in India's cruise tourism market.
Indians are breaking up with Europe for a Southeast Asian getaway
Indian travelers are increasingly choosing Vietnam over traditional European destinations due to rising airfares and longer flight durations to Europe. Factors like visa convenience, value for money, and shorter travel times are driving this shift, making Vietnam a rapidly growing tourism market for India.
Israel eyes return to pre-Covid Indian tourist levels of around 69,000 by 2027
Israel anticipates a tourism rebound, aiming to match its 2019 Indian visitor numbers of 69,000 by 2027. Despite facing crises, the country is focusing on restoring direct flights and promoting diverse travel segments to attract Indian tourists.
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Cordelia Cruises operator Waterways Leisure files DRHP to raise Rs 727 crore via IPO
Waterways Leisure Tourism, operator of Cordelia Cruises, has filed its DRHP with SEBI to raise Rs 727 crore via an IPO consisting entirely of fresh shares. The company will use Rs 552.53 crore for lease-related payments to its step-down subsidiary and the rest for general corporate purposes. The IPO follows the book-building route with 75% reserved for QIBs.

Inspired by Japan? Kerala’s K-HOME plan repurposes vacant homes for tourism
The Kerala government has announced the K-HOME scheme, an initiative to repurpose unoccupied houses as tourist accommodations. Finance Minister K N Balagopal highlighted that the scheme would generate income for homeowners while enhancing the state's tourism infrastructure. Initially launching in four key locations, the project is modelled on international initiatives such as Japan’s Minka Renovation Programme. The state budget has earmarked Rs 5 crore for the scheme’s launch, with additional investments planned for MICE tourism and cultural events.

This popular international travel destination is wooing South Indian cities
Malaysia has seen a 37% increase in Indian tourists over the past five years, with 1.1 million Indians visiting in 2024, making India the second-largest source of visitors after China, according to Malaysia Tourism officials. The country aims to attract 1.5 million Indian travellers by the end of the year, supported by a visa-free policy and enhanced flight connectivity.

66% of travel and hospitality companies planning to expand their workforce: TeamLease report
TeamLease Services' report reveals robust growth in the travel and hospitality sector for HY2 FY 2024-25, with 66% of companies planning workforce expansion and a projected Net Employment Change of 8.2%. Strong hiring intent is seen in tier-1, tier-2, and tier-3 cities driven by smart tourism technology, MICE activities, and sustainable tourism practices.

Travel companies roll up sleeves as Indians take a fancy to Vietnam
Vietnam is emerging as a popular travel destination for Indians. Travel companies are witnessing a significant surge in bookings to Vietnam. The increase in bookings is attributed to factors like improved flight connectivity and attractive pricing. Vietnamese carrier Vietjet is offering special promotions for Indian travelers. Travel companies are expanding their offerings and capacity to cater to the growing demand.

Overseas tourism boards, hospitality & travel companies focus on Tier-II, -III cities on growing interest
Outbound travel from India's tier-two and tier-three cities is surging, prompting global tourism boards and travel companies to target these emerging markets. Dubai is expanding flight connections to 23 Indian cities, recognizing their growing potential for outbound tourism. Singapore has noted a significant increase in Indian visitors, with tier-two cities like Jaipur and Coimbatore becoming key markets.

In a first, Israel could roll out e-visa programme for Indians by year-end; country aims to attract 70K tourists by 2025
srael is planning to launch an e-visa programme for Indian travellers, marking the first time the country will be eligible for such a program. The Israel Ministry of Tourism in India is aiming to attract 70,000 tourists from India by 2025 and one lakh from India by 2026. The programme is still in its nascent stage, but a pilot pilot could be launched by the end of the year. Israel is also in talks with IndiGo and Air India to increase flight capacity and sign marketing agreements.

China bookings hit amidst Coronavirus outbreak
“We are getting cancellations from business travellers. This is not the season for leisure travel to China from India, but even leisure travellers are apprehensive about future bookings,” Bigbreaks.com managing director Kapil Goswamy said. “It is not a positive signal.”

Kerala Travel Mart to be held in Kochi in September 2020
The event, being organised by the KTM Society with support from the Kerala government’s department of tourism, will see increased number of quality buyers from countries that have the potential to boost the state’s travel industry.

Conventions India Conclave may boost MICE tourism in Kerala
The government hopes that the 12th edition of conventions India conclave, a premier international meet on MICE tourism, to be held at Kochi from August 29-31 will help boost MICE tourism.

Tourism in Kerala limping back to normalcy
The hotel which opened just before the Nipah virus scare and flood hit the state, is now gearing up for a busy tourist season ahead.

Kerala Travel Mart to boost Kerala's tourism income
KTM, the only such gathering in India focusing on a single destination, last year healped the state earn a revenue of Rs 25,000 crore from tourism.

Ban on bars selling hard liquor hits Kerala's tourism badly
Most of the MICE events have now gone either to Rajasthan and Goa, the competing countries of Kerala in tourism front, or to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan tourism may gain from Kerala's liquor policy
The recent Supreme Court verdict endorsing Kerala’s liquor policy may find the state losing out to Sri Lanka on the tourism front.

Liquor ban, tea plantations strike may take a toll on Kerala's tourist season
India's southern neighbour has been aggressively marketing its scenic locations and pristine beaches what Kerala too offers in the past half a decade.

Malaysia eyes 20% growth of Indian visitors to 8 lakh in 2015
Malaysia is looking at an over 20 per cent rise in arrival of Indian visitors to 8 lakh for the current year, as it woos them with an intense sales pitch.

Kerala wants to project itself as the next big wedding destination
Quality ayurveda packages and cruise tourism would also help the state tap its tourism potential, say experts.

Tourism business in doldrums as Kerala issues liquor ban
The state govt is introducing the ban in a phased manner and says Sundays will become dry days which totals to 52 days in a year.
India's meetings & exhibitions industry facing infrastructure bottlenecks
Infrastructural bottlenecks are hitting the growth of an estimated $ 1.5-billion MICE industry in the country, a government official today said.
Mfar Hotels & Resorts Ltd would invest Rs 1500 crore in the next five years
In a major expansion of its activities, Mfar Hotels & Resorts Ltd would invest Rs 1500 crore in the next five years to set up hotel projects in India and abroad.
Mfar group of hotels to invest Rs 1,500 crore in next 5 years
The Mfar Group of Hotels will invest Rs 1,500 crore to set up various luxury hotels and resorts in India and abroad in the next five years, a top company official said.
"We want more Indian investment in auto, pharma, ICT sectors"
Bilateral trade between India & Malaysia at $10.5 bn has more than doubled in last few years. However, Malaysian international trade & industry minister Mustapa Mohamed feels the potential has not been fully exploited. ET caught up with the minister recently.
Jordan wooing Christian tourists from India
Jordan is keen to attract Christian tourists from India as the Middle East country with rich culture and history kicks off its promotional tour of the country.
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