Top Stories 

Oberoi Group, ITC in race for Mansingh Road property: reports

The Oberoi Group is planning to bid for the Mansingh Road property in central Delhi, which now houses rival Tatas' landmark Taj Mahal hotel, EIH Ltd Chairman PRS Oberoi reportedly said.

Reports stated that Taj Mansingh hotel is operated by the Tata Group's hotel arm, Indian Hotels Company, under a lease agreement with the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

The 33-year lease between the two ended last year, after which the civic body extended the lease to the operator by a year to October 10, 2012, report said.

There are reports that ITC has also expressed interest in the Mansingh Road property, as have the Sahara Group and French hotel giant Accor.

In Focus

Brand USA to lead travel delegation to India

Brand USA, the new tourism marketing entity responsible for promoting the United States to world visitors, has organized its first-ever travel mission from September 9 to September 14, 2012 in India. The mission, which sold out within 30 days of being offered to U.S. travel organizations, consists of 50 delegates representing 35 U.S. destinations and companies who will visit New Delhi and Mumbai.

In earlier years, this mission was organized by the U.S. Travel Association, making this the sixth travel trade mission from the United States to promote tourism in the Indian market.

The agenda of the U.S. delegates is to meet travel agents, airline representative, tour operators, and the travel trade media. Brand USA’s objective in-market is to rekindle the holidaymakers’ love affair with America – reclaiming the USA’s share of the market and positioning the country as a diverse destination with nearly limitless opportunities and experiences. By highlighting the country as a fresh and unexpected destination, with welcoming and friendly locals, Brand USA’s intention is to promote the United States of America as the world’s leading tourism destination.

Domestic News

ITC plans to invest Rs 250bn: reports

ITC Ltd is planning to invest around Rs. 250bn over the next five years, according to reports.

Reports said that the company acquired a five-acre land in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to set up a hotel with an investment of around Rs. 5bn.

The company plans to set up hotels in other neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bangladesh, report said.

There are reports that the company is coming up with its second hotel in Kolkata and is also setting up facilities in Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Bhubaneswar.

Alila Diwa Goa delivers comfort & connectivity for your luxury ride

It is a technologically driven world today and more and more travellers seek to be connected on the go. With this in mind, Alila Diwa Goa, a boutique resort in South Goa aims to please in combining comfort with these tech features in their chauffeur driven resort cars.

For lovers of technology Wi-Fi has been enabled with speeds of up to 7MBPS and an iPad preloaded with useful resort information, menus, videos, games and more is provided in each car. Guests can access their email on the go, discover more about the resort and its facilities or continue playing that addictive game of Angry Birds en route to the resort.

For the intrepid traveller discovering the destination, there is a Love Goa guide with hidden secrets about Goa while a blanket and reading lights helps maintain a cozy feel - perfect for after dark when the sun has set over the Arabian Sea. Mini jars of cookies and cashew nuts and an Alila welcome fragrance – a zingy lavender and lemongrass mix, helps keep travellers revitalised and refreshed throughout the trip.

Global News

Carlson Rezidor to touch 100 hotels by 2015: reports

American hotel company Carlson Rezidor India is planning to touch the 100-hotel mark by 2015, according to reports.

Reports stated that the company is looking for opportunities to invest in the Radisson brand.

The company plans to open 14 hotels across all its brands, says report.

Tourism New Zealand partners with Malaysia Airlines

Tourism New Zealand (TNZ), representing a country well-known for its exotic beauty and adventurous spirit, announced its partnership with Malaysia Airlines (MH) and Auckland International Airport (AIAL). This strategic collaboration offers Indian newlywed travellers a chance to begin a memorable honeymoon in New Zealand by flying Malaysia Airlines to Auckland.

New Zealand continues to be a popular destination for Indian travellers in 2012 and remains an important market for the New Zealand tourism industry. The TNZ’s partnership with MH and AIAL, targeting the Indian festive and wedding seasons which are a high-point for outbound Indian tourism, will strengthen these ties.

The partnership will offer Indian travellers the convenience to fly from India to Auckland, New Zealand on Malaysia Airlines for just INR 58,717 (all inclusive). Bookings and ticketing for this travel deal will be available from now until 15 November, 2012 for the travel period valid up to 15 December 2012.

Sands China to build $2.5bn Macau casino: reports

Sand's China Ltd is planning to invest $2.5 bn in building a family-oriented casino in Macau, according to reports.

Reports stated that Groundbreaking on the 3,000-room project is expected to be underway in about 60 days.

The project will feature a replica of the Eiffel Tower and be marketed towards middle-class gamblers from mainland China, says report.

Japan releases Hello Kitty Tourism iPhone app