Travel News

The opening of ibis Styles Goa Vagator, a new hotel in Goa, has been announced by InterGlobe Hotels in collaboration with Accor. The 142-room hotel, which is tucked away amongst historic forts, picturesque beaches, and the most popular tourist destinations in North Goa, offers a genuine Goan ambiance mixed with whimsical and vivid decor. Ibis Fashions The second ibis Styles hotel in Goa, Goa Vagator is a resort-style hotel with a colorful theme of pastel hues infused with local culture for a distinctive interior design. The resort offers a fusion of historical elegance and modern conveniences and is ideally situated within a short ride from Goa MOPA airport, in close proximity to Goa’s best nightlife, renowned restaurants, and most popular cafés. With its unique “Sweet Bed” for a night of restful sleep, attentive service from hotel staff who go above and beyond, and comfort food that will tempt your taste buds, ibis Styles Vagator assures visitors of an enjoyable stay. The hotel is the ideal retreat for tourists wishing to discover Goa, whether they plan to explore the city or just unwind. Additionally providing a restaurant open all day, a fully stocked gym, an amphitheater, an outdoor pool, unrestricted Wi-Fi, and access to cable channels in each guest room. The restaurant “Spice It” offers the most extended breakfast hours, from 4 a.m. to 12 p.m. Offering up to 100-person capacity conference and banquet rooms that are contemporary and fashionable for those looking to commemorate a unique occasion or event. The conference room with views of the garden is the ideal setting for sizable social gatherings, business functions, and team-building activities. Ibis Styles Goa Vagator, a hotel opened by InterGlobe Hotels, showcases modern art and artists with carefully chosen works in its exquisitely decorated rooms and public spaces. The curated art, images, and photography by up-and-coming artists are complemented with wallpaper reproductions in the chic rooms, which contrast with the artists’ original works on exhibit in the lobby. The hotel’s contemporary and cheery décor, which were influenced by Goa’s vibrant culture, will undoubtedly create a creative atmosphere for visitors to enjoy in every nook and cranny.  JB Singh, President & CEO of InterGlobe Hotels, commented on the event, saying, “I am thrilled to announce the grand opening of our 2nd ibis Styles in Goa and 23rd ibis in India. This top-notch hotel offers the newest conveniences, well planned rooms, and modern public areas, all constructed to the highest standards. With an emphasis on giving the younger generation a top-notch design experience, ibis Styles Goa Vagator is precisely designed, like all of our properties around the nation, to appeal to the lifestyle tastes and goals of modern travelers. “We partner with the best designers to realize this vision, and the hotel serves as a tribute to our commitment to excellence and innovation. The ibis Styles Goa Vagator emphasizes design aspects that are cutting-edge, popular, and bright while still feeling welcoming to both locals and visitors. We elevate the bar for hospitality and reaffirm our status as the nation’s leaders in hotel design with each new hotel. With art at the center of our design philosophy, we are extremely proud to assist up-and-coming artists by featuring their custom-made original works at ibis hotels and nurturing a thriving artistic community. “This newest member of the ibis family marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional hospitality,” said Puneet Dhawan, Senior Vice President of Operations—Accor India & South Asia. The hotel offers a unique and immersive experience catered for business and leisure travelers alike as it anticipates a significant influx of both domestic and foreign tourists this season. The hotel emphasizes establishing a family-friendly environment and features striking design elements and an inviting ambiance.  The ibis Styles Goa Vagator is innovative and eclectic, with a setting that inspires you to roam around in style, according to Kedar Dighe, Cluster GM, ibis Styles Goa Vagator & Calangute. Additionally, the location is fantastic, offering a vibrant nightlife, historical forts, charming cafes, and tranquil beaches, making it the ideal place for a leisure tourist to stay. The 142 contemporary and stylish guest rooms provide balconies and French windows so that visitors can take in the surrounding area’s natural splendor. The sophisticated gym, banquet space, poolside bar, and Spice It restaurant will all offer the ideal environment for rest and renewal.  As a special promotion to mark the opening, ibis Styles Goa Vagator has launched its unique “Pay What You Want” service. The promotion is only available to ALL – Accor Live Limitless Loyalty program members. Visit All.com or download the ALL mobile app to sign up for membership. Source- Travel daily

Travelers are overcome with longing for the fall and winter seasons when longer days and sunshine give way to amber colors and brisk air.  According to the Pinterest Predicts index, train travel is expected to make a comeback this year, with “train trip aesthetic” pins surging by a staggering 205%. In light of this, Rant Casino examined Instagram hashtag volumes to determine the most popular luxury train itineraries for the upcoming fall and winter. The Bernina Express from Switzerland, which takes you through an Italian winter wonderland over the Swiss Alps, is the most Instagrammed luxury journey. There is no way to overlook the breathtaking vistas of the snow-capped mountains with windows covering the full walls of this train. For this icy trek, there are 96,691 hashtags in total. In spite of this, a single adult standard ticket only costs about £56. Scotland’s Jacobite rail ride, widely famous as the train that carried Harry Potter to Hogwarts, comes in second. There are already 67,168 documented hashtags for this travel, which is ideal for a cozy autumnal ride. An adult standard ticket costs £57. Train crossing a bridge Medium confidence automatic description generation With 53,254 hashtagged images to capture the magic, the Bergen Line trip comes in third. The opulent train even searches for the northern lights on lengthy polar evenings as it takes you from Bergen to Oslo. The Rocky Mountaineer comes in second. 52,508 hashtags were used to describe Canada’s most picturesque train trip, which features panoramic windows that showcase the country’s greatest peaks in all their breathtaking splendor. The Glacier Express completes the top 5, providing stunning vistas of Switzerland’s snow-covered mountains, deep valleys, and clear lakes. With tickets costing about £152 each, the opulent ride across the alps has been documented 45,710 times on Instagram. The White Pass and Yukon, which connects Alaska to Canada, comes in at number 10 with a total of 14,500 Instagram posts. This trip is among the most expensive on the list, with prices starting at £115 per participant. If you’re lucky, this train travels nonstop through glacial rivers, waterfalls, and wildlife. Other well-known train routes include Norway’s Flam Railway (21,229), Thailand’s Death Railway (22,818), and The Blue Train (43,439), which offers some winter sun. Source- travel daily

According to Russian media, there is a panic in Canada as many students are allegedly seeking for other places to study. According to Reuters, Canadian institutions are assuring Indian students of their safety and providing assistance to deal with the uncertainty brought on by the diplomatic crisis between the two nations in an effort to lessen the impact on a thriving industry. Currently, a severe diplomatic dispute over the murder of extreme pro-Khalistan Hardeep Singh Nijjar is dividing India and Canada.  Source- Hindustan times

Vietnam and the Philippines have been added as new ports of call for Resorts World Cruises’ five-night cruises leaving from Hong Kong. As the ship sails to Vietnam from October 1, 2023, onward, offering the 5-Night Nha Trang – Da Nang cruise, as well as to the Philippines with the 5-Night Boracay – Manila cruise, starting from January 21, 2024, onward, travelers will have more options for their 5-Night cruises from Hong Kong. This complements the ship’s current 5-Night Okinawa cruise. The 5-night cruise will be offered for specific departure dates in 2023 and 2024 to either Okinawa, Vietnam, or the Philippines. “Resorts World voyages is excited to offer new, more diverse locations for our customers, such as Vietnam and the Philippines, on its 5-night voyages beyond Okinawa. Our 5-night cruises on the Resorts World One departing from Hong Kong provide tourists with an other leisure and travel choice that is practical and comfortable to visit several locations inside a country. According to Michael Goh, president of Resorts World Cruises, the addition of these new locations will help cast a wider net and revitalize the cruise tourism business throughout the region. Bridge, Golden, in Da Nang Now that the 5-Night Nha Trang – Da Nang cruise is available, you have the opportunity to improve your trip by taking a cruise in Vietnam. Immerse yourself in a nation with gorgeous beaches, vibrant cultures, festivals, and cuisines, as well as stunning natural beauty. Your first port of call in Vietnam will be Nha Trang, a sun-lovers’ paradise with amazing beaches including Long Beach, which is home to surfing locations and delicious seafood restaurants. The imposing 78-foot-tall Buddha statue, the centuries-old Po Nagar Cham Towers, mud baths, hot springs, island hopping, and other activities are available to tourists. As the ship makes its way to Da Nang, a well-known tourist destination where you can find a variety of lovely beaches, learn about the Cham culture, eat wonderful and distinctive street food, and visit the Marble Mountains with its enchanted temples and hidden tunnels, tourists can further their exploration of Vietnam. Travelers leaving from Hong Kong can choose between a trip to Vietnam and a 5-night cruise between Boracay and Manila, with special departures available from January through March 2024. Since Boracay is one of the best and most well-known award-winning islands in the nation, you won’t need any further introduction to “Love the Philippines” and your first trip. Vacationers can enjoy pristine white sand beaches with crystal blue oceans, participate in a variety of fun water activities, go on island hopping tours, and so much more on one of the Top 3 Best Islands in Asia for the 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Reader’s Choice Awards. It’s the ideal place to begin your cruise vacation. Cruise your way to Manila, the vivacious capital city that is full of delightful surprises and interesting discoveries, from the idyllic island of Boracay. The old Hispanic Fort Santiago, the Baluarte de San Diego tower, as well as several famous landmarks, churches, and cathedrals are among these. Additionally, any foodie visiting Manila must embark on a full-blown street food adventure. Source- Travel trade

The next Icon Class ship from Royal Caribbean International has been given a name, and its summer 2025 debut season has been announced. The biggest cruise line in the world will take the most daring steps to build on Icon’s launch, which marked the beginning of a new age in travel. The lineup of new experiences and fan favorites on Star will pave the way for even more opportunities for every type of family and adventurer to make memories without compromise thanks to the combination of every type of vacation that’s exclusive to Icon Class, from the beach retreat to the resort escape and the theme park adventure. The new ship is now being built in Turku, Finland, and will shortly be made public. Star of the Seas will be the next audacious response to the record-breaking consumer demand we’ve seen for nearly a year and counting with Icon of the Seas, according to Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean International. “The idea of combining the best of every type of vacation into one ultimate adventure has created more excitement than ever anticipated,” Bayley said. When the cruise line experienced its single greatest booking day and highest volume booking week in the brand’s then 53-year history in October 2022, the first glimpse of Icon and Icon Class set the tone. Royal Caribbean released 2025–2026 holidays aboard Icon three months earlier than expected due to the tremendous consumer demand, and now Star’s name and debut season have been announced. Six record-breaking waterslides at Thrill Island’s Category 6 waterpark, seven pools (one for each day of the week), Surfside, a stay-all-day community for young families, entertainment on land, ice, water, and stage, 40+ dining and drinking options, and more are just a few of Icon’s features. As the third LNG-powered ship for the cruise line, Star will also usher in a new era by combining the use of the cleanest-burning marine fuel with a well-proven roster of industry-leading environmental initiatives. The most environmentally friendly ship from Royal Caribbean will progress parent firm Royal Caribbean Group’s efforts to produce a net-zero cruise ship by 2035 with applications ranging from waste heat recovery systems to shore power connection. Source- Travel trade

Leading DMC in Indonesia, Balitrip Wisata, is hosting a four-city roadshow in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Pune, and New Delhi on the 9th, 11th, 12th, and 13th of October, respectively. The purpose of the event is to advertise Bali as a desirable vacation spot for Indian tourists. Travel industry professionals, such as tour operators, travel agencies, and media representatives, will have the chance to visit Bali’s various tourist sites. The Roadshow will highlight Balitrip’s hospitality partners who have long-served the Indian market and have witnessed its rapid expansion through this specific segment. Inder Dheeraj Ranjan Kumar Along with 16 industry partners (sellers), including hotels, resorts, theme parks, cruise lines, and restaurants from Bali, the roadshow will be headed by Dheeraj Ranjan Kumarr, the founder and managing director of Balitrip Wisata, and Bapak Herdy D Sayogha, the managing partner of Balitrip Wisata. “We bring with us some of the best hotels, resorts of Bali who understand the Indian clients and their requirements,” Dheeraj Ranjan Kumar remarked. Travel agencies will learn more about new options from each stakeholder thanks to this buyer-seller interaction. Source- Travel daily

The company behind the renowned Rann Utsav and its enormous tent city, Evoke Experiences, is on a protracted growth adventure. The company’s recent acquisition of two outstanding properties in Gujarat, strategically located in Sasan and ShivrajPur, is the result of its expansion strategy. Travelers will be able to fully experience Gujarat’s rich culture, heritage, and natural beauty thanks to these thoughtful upgrades. Evoke Experiences is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Gujarat Tourism in keeping with its dedication to enhancing the tourism industry. This partnership demonstrates the company’s commitment to fostering regional tourism growth while providing tourists with distinctive, engaging experiences. In the near future, Evoke Experiences is aggressively investigating underutilized locations and building partnerships with various state government bodies. By the end of this year, the business hopes to have added eight more projects to its already impressive portfolio. In addition to its flagship project, the Rann Utsav, Evoke Experiences has a portfolio of other operational projects, including Gandhisagar Floating Festival, Statue of Unity Tent City 1, Niraan, a tent city in Varanasi, and Evoke Dholavira. Evoke Experiences hopes to establish a name for itself as the leading provider of all-encompassing destination experiences. “Our vision is to position Evoke Experiences as the preferred brand for those who are seeking exceptional hospitality and lifelong memories,” says Bhavik Sheth, COO of Evoke Experiences. Evoke Experiences has experienced impressive growth during the last ten years. The company welcomed 10,000 visitors in its first year, 2013–2014. This number has grown dramatically, with the most recent year welcoming an astounding 54,000 visitors. This growth demonstrates the company’s commitment to bridging the gap between lavish tent towns, which represent the world of temporary hospitality services, and more traditional, long-lasting types of hospitality. Through a variety of events and initiatives throughout the course of the next five years, the company will concentrate on extending its reach to a wider audience, with a concentration on metropolitan areas. Source- Travel daily

Intriguing insights on Britons’ perceptions of Canada’s most noteworthy exports, ranging from ground-breaking inventions to iconic figures, have been revealed by Air Transat in the wake of a poll. The study was carried out as part of Air Transat’s brand transformation, which will be unveiled this fall under the new slogan “Where Open Minds Fly.” This is intended to appeal to the more tolerant tourists who have long been drawn to Canada, such as those seeking sensory experiences like music, art, and breathtaking natural beauty as well as outdoor adventure. The poll, which was performed last month among 2,000 UK adults, aimed to identify any gaps in their understanding about Canada. According to the research, Canada has had a considerable influence on the world stage and has contributed to a wide range of sectors. Insulin, a revolutionary invention that has revolutionized the treatment of diabetes, was named by Britons as Canada’s top export, closely followed by the life-saving pacemaker. Alkaline batteries and peanut butter rounded up the top five, showcasing the wide influence of Canada on daily life. Maple syrup came in third. The study also showed that many Britons have a high regard for Canadian celebrities, with well-known individuals like actors Ryan Reynolds and Keanu Reeves, musicians Bryan Adams, and legendary singer Celine Dion winning praise from respondents and demonstrating the global appeal of Canadian talent. However, the study exposed certain false beliefs held by the British populace. Nearly half (48%) thought Jim Carrey and Pamela Anderson were both Americans, while more than a fifth (22%) misidentified Toronto as Canada’s capital instead of Ottawa. “Canada has made many remarkable and significant contributions to the world in which we live, and our research has revealed many insights which will help Air Transat engage more effectively with British travelers going forward,” said Sonia Kurek, Commercial Director for Air Transat UK. 62% of respondents cited Canada’s natural beauty as the nation’s most notable quality, making it clear what makes the country special. According to 76% of respondents, the country’s breathtaking beauty is “world-leading,” and it is supplemented by its diversified wildlife (42%), hospitable people (23%), and a wide range of outdoor activities (26%). While a sizable majority of respondents were familiar with well-known Canadian sites like Niagara Falls, the study revealed ignorance of other national gems including Alberta’s Banff National Park and the Cabot Trail. Over a quarter (26%) of respondents who hadn’t been to Canada yet said they wanted to go there, ranking it among the top three nations in the world. Nearly half of those who hadn’t been there before (48%) expressed a desire to do so. A third (33%) of those who wish to travel were pondering an outdoor camping getaway in the region’s stunning surroundings, while 26% were contemplating a road trip and 20% were thinking about a city getaway. Canada is the ideal location for those looking for fresh experiences, Kurek continued. Since we recognize that post-pandemic travel, particularly on lengthy routes, can be intimidating for some, Air Transat is still dedicated to offering a variety of direct flights from the UK to Canada, complete with onboard entertainment and meal service. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/air-transat-research-reveals-britons-perceptions-of-canada/

The latest architectural masterpiece from DAMAC Properties, a pioneer in the construction of premium real estate, is called DAMAC Casa. This amazing tower, which is centrally located in Dubai, reinvents the idea of vertical island living by providing residents with an exceptional mix of water, peace, and luxury. The inspiration for this avant-garde architectural endeavor comes from DAMAC Casa, which draws on the essence of water. The tower, which is situated in the Al Sufouh neighborhood and has Dubai’s famous Palm in the background, perfectly captures the tranquility of island life in every aspect of its architecture. The lotus flower, which flourishes in aquatic surroundings, served as inspiration for the tower, which aims to improve inhabitants’ experiences with outstanding water vistas. “We are pleased to introduce DAMAC Casa, the newest addition to our collection of distinctive, opulent buildings. The tower is a reflection of our ambition to offer our discerning clientele unmatched experiences, with every element having been carefully designed. This addition reflects the spirit of what we stand for as a company, drawing on our years of expertise and community feedback, said Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President of DAMAC.  Beyond-Imagination Amenities The Cavalli Tower of DAMAC is nearby, and DAMAC Casa offers features that redefine luxury living. The “Flying Island,” a magnificent sanctuary encircled by water, is at the center of the complex. Its ultra-luxury units have circular outdoor terraces that offer 270-degree views of the lake. The skyscraper will have retreats with an oasis-inspired design, and the pools will change into an island oasis surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a unique Dubai living experience. An aquatic paradise, the Aqua Spa offers an ethereal relaxing experience with treatment rooms that appear to float on water.  One of Dubai’s first scuba stimulators, offered by DAMAC Casa, will offer a variety of virtual reality experiences, including those in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, or even the wonders of space. Palm gardens will be everywhere around the pools. The tower and children’s play area will be decorated with aqua art. Children can use designated areas to exhibit their aquatic creativity, and digital screens in the foyer will display their aqua doodles. The spirit of island life is recreated in a chill-out lounge, while a design for a 360-degree clear glass pool is being investigated. DAMAC Casa’s public spaces will transport you to an underwater setting by utilizing digital technology to provide breathtaking aquatic effects. Effects of a beach indoors adorn the walkways.  With each apartment having its own private elevator, the tower will provide 1, 2, and 3-bedroom luxury apartments, as well as 3, 4 and 5-bedroom super luxury apartments. A private sanctuary within this vertical paradise, each ultra-luxury property has its own oasis-vibe pool. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/damac-introduces-damac-casa-holiday-living-at-the-heart-of-dubai/

The anticipation among fans is evident as sports tourism surges with the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, one of the most prestigious cricket competitions in the world, just around the way. The integrated campaign “Howzat for your perfect stay” was created by Booking.com, the Official Accommodation Partner for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, and it combines the travel industry, the sport of cricket, and the fervent supporters who make it possible. Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan, Bollywood actor Varun Dhawan, and Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com, participated in a press conference in Mumbai. The promise of sports tourism must be realized Travel and sports go hand in hand. Mega sporting events like the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 draw tourists to the host city, which can boost both domestic and international travel. The most recent Booking.com APAC Travel Confidence Index shows that 56% of Indians are eager to attend a live or significant event this year, including sporting competitions. With fans from all over the world traveling to India for the event from October 5 to November 19, 2023, search data from Booking.com also showed a rise in inbound travel, with travelers from the UK, USA, UAE, Germany, and Australia leading the list for inbound searches. Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan said, “Traveling is an intrinsic part of that experience. Taking wickets and performing on the cricket field have been significant parts of my life. My cricket voyage went beyond the field as I visited several cities, learned about varied cultures, sampled local cuisine, and visited various tourist attractions. Therefore, I’m happy to be a part of this Booking.com event, which combines travel and cricket to bring people together and celebrate the spirit of adventure and the moments that matter. Converting sports fans into tourists For millions of Booking.com customers, the chance to witness the best cricket teams in action is a compelling reason to travel and something that is truly on their bucket lists. Travel searches are increasing as a result of prominent matches across India. Beyond the event itself, visitors are interested in seeing what the city has to offer, which could result in extended stays and return trips. Seven of the top ten most popular travel locations in India are match-hosting cities, according to Booking.com. Among the most popular search terms for the match period of October 5 to November 19, 2023, are Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad is the second most sought location on match days, behind Delhi, for events like the India vs. Pakistan game on October 14. Varun Dhawan, a Bollywood actor and ardent cricket supporter, echoed his enthusiasm when he said, “Travel and cricket are two things I am truly passionate about. Cricket is something I incorporate into my job, which provides me the chance to travel and discover various locations in India and throughout the world. I’m always ready for a game whenever I get the chance to play in between my shots. Booking.com is providing millions of fans, like me, with the fun and excitement of traveling and booking the ideal accommodation to watch their favorite team play in person during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. That matches perfectly now. ‘Howzat for your perfect stay’ is the slogan of Booking.com’s advertising for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The advertisement features Glenn Maxwell, the captain of the England squad, and Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian team, to promote the enjoyment and thrill of making a reservation with Booking.com. By bringing viewers on a journey of a family thinking of their ideal cricket stay, it highlights the end-to-end simplicity and tremendous variety of accommodations that Booking.com offers. Booking.com offers the largest selection of fantastic lodging options, including hotels, resorts, apartments, villas, and more, in more than 171,000 locations around the world, including locations where ICC matches are being played. We are experiencing this tendency both globally and in India: the influence of major sporting events on travel demand and desire. As the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023’s Official Accommodation Partner, we offer fans flights, rental cars, taxis, attractions, and of course all types of interesting places to stay in order to make their cricket-inspired journey as smooth as possible. With the debut of our campaign, “Howzat for your perfect stay,” we are excited to honor one of the biggest sports in the world. This ad beautifully captures the pleasure and excitement of making a reservation on Booking.com, according to Santosh Kumar, Country Manager for India, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Indonesia at Booking.com. From October 5 to November 19, 2023, the integrated campaign will run in India during the entire tournament on TV, digital, PR, and social media. Source- Travel daily Link- https://www.traveldailymedia.com/booking-com-launches-howzat-for-your-perfect-stay-as-cricket-fever-ignites-in-india/