IHCL and Ambuja Foundation Collaborate to Improve Water Management in Gujarat’s Gir Region

IHCL and Ambuja Foundation Collaborate to Improve Water Management in Gujarat’s Gir Region

By Nishang Narayan

Published on September 9, 2024

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), in collaboration with Ambuja Foundation, has announced the launch of an Integrated Water Resource Development Project in Gujarat's Gir forest and coastal zones of Una and Gir Gadhada. This initiative aims to address critical issues like water scarcity and soil salinization, focusing on sustainable solutions to enhance the livelihoods of the local communities.

IHCL, a leading Tata Group company with a global portfolio of over 300 hotels, is leveraging its resources and expertise alongside Ambuja Foundation to replicate a successful coastal development model previously implemented in Kodinar. The project will be extended to the Rupen river basin in Una and Gir Gadhada, both areas significantly affected by water scarcity and salinity challenges.

The project will include rejuvenating village ponds through desilting and filtration, promoting rooftop rainwater harvesting structures (RRWHS) in coastal villages, and constructing and renovating check dams along the Rupen River. These efforts are designed to improve rainwater harvesting, recharge groundwater, and restore water bodies while supporting agricultural productivity. Additionally, water literacy programs will educate local communities about water conservation, fostering sustainable practices that can lead to long-term economic growth and resilience.

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A Catalyst for Positive Change

Mr. Gaurav Pokhariyal, Senior Executive at IHCL, emphasized the importance of the project: “Our ESG+ framework, Paathya, reflects IHCL's commitment to pioneering sustainable practices and driving community-focused initiatives. This collaboration with Ambuja Foundation is aimed at restoring vital natural resources and uplifting local livelihoods. Our efforts in Gujarat will help restore ecological balance and improve agricultural productivity, contributing to a more resilient rural economy.”

He further added, “This initiative demonstrates IHCL’s belief in business as a catalyst for positive change, enabling a future where companies contribute to a sustainable and inclusive economy.”

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Ambuja Foundation’s Commitment to Water Resource Development

Ms. Pearl Tiwari, CEO of Ambuja Foundation, also expressed her commitment to the partnership: “We are dedicated to empowering local communities through sustainable water resource development. By enhancing surface and groundwater availability in the Gir area, we aim to increase farmers' income and ensure water security in the region. Our long-standing association with Tata Group has allowed us to pool expertise and resources, amplifying our impact on rural development.”

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This project builds on the proven success of IHCL and Ambuja Foundation in implementing sustainable water strategies, which have previously led to improved water management and economic prosperity in rural communities. Last year, the two organizations collaborated on a skill training hospitality course in Rajasthan, providing practical knowledge and on-the-job training at Taj Properties.

About IHCL
The Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) operates a group of brands offering world-class hospitality, including Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, and Ginger. IHCL is India’s largest hospitality company with a portfolio spanning 326 hotels across 13 countries. For more information, visit Taj Hotels.

About Ambuja Foundation
Ambuja Foundation is dedicated to creating sustainable and prosperous rural communities through water, agriculture, skills, women empowerment, and health initiatives. Over the past three decades, the foundation has transformed rural geographies across India. Learn more at Ambuja Foundation.

This collaboration marks a significant step in addressing water challenges in Gujarat, fostering sustainable solutions that support both the environment and local communities.


India International Travel Mart Wraps Up Successful Chennai and Bangalore Editions, Reinforces B2B Tourism Growth

India International Travel Mart Wraps Up Successful Chennai and Bangalore Editions, Reinforces B2B Tourism Growth

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 30, 2025

India’s premier B2B travel networking event, India International Travel Mart (IITM), completed impactful editions in Chennai (16–18 July) and Bangalore (24–26 July) 2025, reinforcing its reputation as South India’s biggest travel exhibition and a catalyst for domestic and international tourism promotion.

Now in its 26th year in these cities, IITM brought together a diverse mix of tourism boards, DMCs, hotel groups, airlines, travel startups, and technology platforms. Over three days at each venue, the exhibitions enabled immersive trade engagement, destination showcases, and high-value networking opportunities.

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High-Profile Participation

The Chennai edition, hosted at Chennai Trade Centre, was inaugurated by Thiru T. Christuraj, Director of Tourism, Government of Tamil Nadu. Dignitaries included:

  • Sri Venkatesan D, Regional Director, India Tourism

  • Smt. T. Devaki, Chairperson, Travel Agents Association of India

  • Sri Kamaleshwaran, President, SKAL International, Chennai

  • Sri Pankaj Ravish, General Manager, IRCTC

  • Sri Pawan Kumar Gupta, Vice President, SIMA

  • Sri Ashok Kumar P, Chairman, ADTOI

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The Bangalore edition, held at Tripura Vasini, Palace Grounds, was inaugurated by Shri Pasang Dorjee Sona, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh. Guests of Honor included:

  • Sri Neelu Sharma, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Tourism

  • Sri Ranphoa Ngowa, Secretary Tourism, Arunachal Pradesh

  • Sri Vivek Acharya, MD, Chhattisgarh Tourism

  • Mr. Hishamuddin Mustafa, Director, Tourism Malaysia Chennai

  • Sri Biswajit Routray, Additional Director, Odisha Tourism

  • Sri Dinesh Kumar, Joint Director, UP Tourism

  • Sri Lokesh Bettaiah, VP, TAAI

  • Sri Niranjan Bhargava, Chairman, TAAI

  • Mr. M. Vinod, President, AATO

  • Mr. Kaulesh Kumar, General Secretary, ABTO

  • Mr. Amish Desai, MC Member, TAAI

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Industry Leaders Weigh In

Mr. Sanjay Hakhu, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, said:

“Both editions exceeded expectations in terms of participation, partnerships, and buyer engagement. The enthusiasm from India’s domestic and outbound tourism stakeholders is encouraging as we push toward broader industry resurgence.”

Mr. Rohit Hangal, Director, Sphere Travelmedia & Exhibitions, added:

“Chennai and Bangalore remain integral to India’s tourism landscape. The enthusiasm, scale, and trade engagement at IITM reaffirm its role as a strategic B2B platform.”

By the Numbers

  • 25+ Indian states represented

  • 20+ international tourism boards

  • 800+ exhibitors

  • Thousands of B2B meetings and interactions across both cities

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Why IITM Matters

For over 20 years, IITM has built a legacy as one of India’s most credible and business-focused travel trade shows. It uniquely connects travel products with decision-makers through:

  • Dedicated B2B focus

  • Themed pavilions: luxury travel, tech, sustainable tourism

  • Launchpad for destinations and services

  • South India’s largest travel trade shows

What’s Next?

Following Chennai and Bangalore, the upcoming editions of IITM promise more robust business opportunities:

  • Delhi: 24 – 26 September 2025

  • Mumbai: 9 – 11 October 2025

  • Pune: 27 – 29 November 2025

  • Hyderabad: 4 – 6 December 2025

  • Kochi: 8 – 10 January 2026

  • Kolkata: 12 – 14 February 2026

  • Ahmedabad: 12 – 14 March 2026

With an unwavering commitment to connect, collaborate, and catalyze tourism growth, IITM remains the gold standard for India’s travel trade engagement.

For more information, contact: +91 8040834100
Email: media@spheretravelmedia.com


Thoothukudi Airport Upgrade Set to Fuel Growth

Thoothukudi Airport Upgrade Set to Fuel Growth

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 28, 2025

The long-awaited inauguration of the upgraded terminal at Thoothukudi airport has been widely welcomed by local industry bodies, who see it as a game-changer for the region’s industrial and cargo logistics landscape. Scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 26, the new terminal, alongside an extended runway and night landing facilities, marks a major milestone for southern Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure growth.

Industrial stakeholders have expressed optimism about the development, stating that the enhanced facilities will provide a significant boost to business operations, cargo movement, and travel convenience for entrepreneurs, industrialists, and the public from both Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli districts. The airport’s strategic location between these two growing urban clusters adds further relevance to the upgrade.

D.R. Kodeeswaran, President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Thoothukudi, highlighted the city’s rapid emergence as a top investment destination in the region. He underlined several ambitious projects in the pipeline, including the outer harbour development of V.O. Chidambaranar Port, ISRO’s upcoming rocket launch site at Kulasekarappatinam, a new furniture park in the SIPCOT industrial estate, and the Vietnamese auto giant VinFast’s new manufacturing plant.

He also called for improved air connectivity to major cities such as Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Kochi. At present, only IndiGo and SpiceJet operate from Thoothukudi, and Kodeeswaran emphasized the need for more airlines to consider operations to and from the region. Notably, the airport has already recorded a 15.2% growth in passenger traffic in 2024-2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting increasing demand.

Echoing similar sentiments, R. Edwin Samuel, Former Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Thoothukudi, stressed the need to elevate the airport to international status to allow flights to international destinations like Male, Colombo and Dubai. He remarked that the timing of the terminal’s inauguration aligns well with Thoothukudi’s rise as a spiritual tourism hub and its growing relevance to regional industrial development.

He also added that as the SIPCOT hub in nearby Gangaikondan prepares to welcome several prominent companies, robust air connectivity would play a critical role in sustaining and accelerating the region’s industrial growth trajectory.


Sacred and Spirited: Israel’s Iconic Cities Ranked High Among Most Loved in Middle East & Africa

Sacred and Spirited: Israel’s Iconic Cities Ranked High Among Most Loved in Middle East & Africa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 27, 2025

There’s something about Israel that lingers in the heart long after the passport is stamped. Maybe it’s the golden light bathing ancient stone, or the electric energy of Tel Aviv’s sunset streets. Either way, travellers worldwide have spoken—and the latest Travel + Leisure 2025 rankings confirm it.

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have both made it to the Top 10 Cities in the Middle East and Africa, as voted by the magazine’s global readership. Jerusalem proudly retains its third place, admired for its deep spiritual resonance and centuries-old heritage. Readers highlighted its cultural landmarks, immersive culinary scene, and a unique timelessness that makes it a city like no other.

Tel Aviv, on the other hand, is climbing the charts—jumping from eighth in 2024 to fifth this year. This coastal city has been winning hearts with its vibrant street life, modern flair, and commitment to sustainability and design, particularly among younger travellers.

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For Indian travellers, the results strike a familiar chord. The rising interest in Israel reflects a growing appreciation for destinations that combine spiritual experiences, rich culture, and a globally relevant lifestyle.

In Jerusalem, time feels like it folds in on itself. The city offers more than religious symbolism—it offers living history. Walk the Via Dolorosa, pause at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reflect at the Western Wall, or take in breathtaking views from the Ramparts Walk. The Tower of David Museum adds a modern narrative through its Night Spectacular sound and light show, while the Mahane Yehuda Market bursts with flavours—think artisanal cheeses, local wines, spices, and sweets.

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Meanwhile, Tel Aviv’s cosmopolitan vibe makes it one of the most forward-looking cities in the region. Known globally as a vegan capital, it’s also a treasure trove of Bauhaus architecture—explored best at the Liebling Haus or on a stroll through Neve Tzedek, now reimagined as a hotspot for fashion, theatre, and art. Food lovers can indulge in everything from bourekas to gourmet vegan fare, while bicycle and Segway tours through Florentin and Rothschild Boulevard reveal the city’s street art and creative energy. Come evening, the rhythm shifts to jazz bars, speakeasies, and beachfront cafés, keeping the city alive well past sunset.

One standout factor in this year’s rankings is traveller confidence. Despite global uncertainties, Israel has emerged not just as a popular destination but as a trusted one—where safety, culture, food, and hospitality come together seamlessly.

This recognition is more than just a spot on a list—it’s a signal that Israel continues to inspire, surprise, and welcome with open arms.

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