South African Tourism hosts Corporate Think Tank in Kolkata
South African Tourism continued the fifth edition of its flagship ‘Corporate Think Tank’ initiative with Kolkata as the fourth and final stop of the four-city series. The event brought together over 25 corporate leaders for discussions, destination showcases, and networking sessions. The platform highlighted South Africa’s growing appeal for business events, MICE, and leisure travel. With strong IT, BFSI, manufacturing and youth travel potential, Kolkata is emerging as a key source market.
IHG signs voco Lucknow, opening in 2029
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Rajdeep Infra & Sales to develop voco Lucknow, scheduled to open in Q3 2029. Located in Ashiyana, the hotel will offer strong connectivity and easy access to Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport. voco will blend individual charm with global standards, catering to the city’s expanding business and tourism demand.
SalamAir marks 9 years with network expansion plans
SalamAir, Oman’s low-cost carrier, is celebrating its 9th anniversary, marking nearly a decade of affordable and reliable air travel. In 2025, the airline operated 22,164 flights, carried over 3.4 million passengers, and expanded to 44+ destinations with a fleet of 15 aircraft. Looking ahead, SalamAir will add three new aircraft in 2026 and continue launching new routes, supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 growth strategy.
AlUla welcomes Anant and Radhika Ambani to Maraya
AlUla, Saudi Arabia continues to attract elite Indian travellers, recently welcoming Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant during their visit to Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building. The newlywed couple experienced AlUla’s serene landscapes, cultural richness, and tranquil luxury. Their visit underscores AlUla’s growing international appeal as a refined destination for discerning travellers and highlights Saudi Arabia’s evolving position in global luxury tourism.
#First Opinion
“The saddest part of this Budget is that there is no allocation for the Ministry of Tourism’s foreign promotion. MOT was formed primarily to market India internationally, and earlier we had overseas tourism offices actively promoting the country. Over the years, many startup tour operators created thousands of jobs through their own efforts, without financial support. Today, there is zero attention to foreign promotion, leaving operators to survive on their own. Inbound inflow has reduced drastically, while neighbouring countries capture India’s share.”
Pronab Sarkar,
MD, Swagatam Tours
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