Sri Lanka Concludes Roadshows in Lucknow, Chandigarh & Jaipur, Celebrates Record-Breaking Indian Arrivals

Sri Lanka Concludes Roadshows in Lucknow, Chandigarh & Jaipur, Celebrates Record-Breaking Indian Arrivals

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 1, 2025

Sri Lanka Tourism successfully concluded a vibrant series of roadshows in Lucknow, Chandigarh, and Jaipur on June 23rd, 25th, and 27th, 2025, marking a strong stride in its efforts to attract Indian travellers. The events, held in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) and Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), showcased the country’s diverse tourism offerings and strategic plans to strengthen ties with Indian travel stakeholders.

India continues to lead as Sri Lanka’s top source market, contributing to 20% of total tourist arrivals. From January to 31st May 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed 1,029,803 visitors, out of which 204,060 were from India. This growing interest has translated into significant economic returns, with Sri Lanka's tourism sector generating over USD 1.54 billion in revenue during the first half of 2025.

To further promote its standing, Sri Lanka is offering visa-free entry for Indian tourists, ensuring smoother access to its beaches, mountains, temples, and cities. Enhanced air connectivity also supports this initiative, with SriLankan Airlines operating 90 flights a week connecting nine Indian cities, alongside IndiGo and Air India providing daily flights from major hubs.

The roadshows were held with a focus on travellers from Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Rajasthan. Over 35 tourism stakeholders from Sri Lanka participated, including Destination Management Companies, luxury resorts, MICE experts, and travel service providers. Each event hosted over 200 Indian travel agents, industry leaders, and media, engaging in fruitful B2B discussions aimed at long-term collaborations.

Led by Mr. Vijitha Herath, Honourable Minister for Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe, Honourable Deputy Minister of Tourism, the delegation brought an impressive lineup of speakers, cultural showcases, and strategic dialogues to the forefront. A cultural troupe performed traditional Sri Lankan dances, offering a glimpse into the island’s rich heritage and artistic vibrancy.

As part of Sri Lanka Tourism’s broader strategy, these roadshows reinforce its commitment to positioning the country as a year-round destination for Indian tourists offering cultural depth, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. The events successfully sparked interest and reaffirmed Sri Lanka's identity as an accessible and enriching destination for Indian travellers.

Sri Lanka’s vision for the future is clear: to build on its deep-rooted ties with India and continue creating unforgettable experiences that draw travellers back, time and again.


Radisson Hotels and THSC Empower 308 Underprivileged Youth with Hospitality Careers

Radisson Hotels and THSC Empower 308 Underprivileged Youth with Hospitality Careers

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 20, 2025

A powerful collaboration between Radisson Hotel Group, Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), and strategic partner The Job Plus, has helped launch careers in the hospitality industry for 308 underprivileged youth across India. Through focused training programs and industry partnerships, this initiative is changing lives—one placement at a time.

A standout success of the project is from Jammu & Kashmir, where 70 youth were trained by Arc Hospitality and Swale IT & Skills, and later placed in well-known hotel groups like Radisson, Park Inn, and The Svelte. Of these, 20 young individuals were awarded offer letters during a special ceremony held at Radisson Hotel, Srinagar, in the presence of Mr. K. B. Kachru, Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, and Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO of THSC.

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This event wasn’t just a celebration of job placements, it was a showcase of how collaboration between corporates, training partners, and skill councils can create real impact. Organizations like the Hotel Association of India (HAI) also play an important role by supporting industry-focused skilling efforts alongside THSC.

The broader placement drive has opened doors at renowned hospitality names including Hilton, Conrad, The Oberoi, Lemon Tree, Holiday Inn, Sarovar Ahuja Residency, Amritara, Park Plaza, and Svelte. A notable aspect of the initiative is its strong commitment to gender inclusion, with 155 female (51%) and 153 male (49%) candidates placed across the country.

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This program stands as a real example of CSR-driven skilling leading to meaningful employment. It offers young individuals, especially from underserved regions like Jammu & Kashmir, the opportunity to join India’s growing hospitality sector with pride and purpose.

By combining the strengths of corporate support, strategic execution, and quality training, this model proves that large-scale, high-impact employment initiatives are possible. It sets a promising path for similar programs to take shape across more parts of the country.


Alibaug Evolves into Premium Concept Realty Hub, Reveals SKYE Hospitality Report

Alibaug Evolves into Premium Concept Realty Hub, Reveals SKYE Hospitality Report

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on July 19, 2025

Once seen as a quaint weekend escape, Alibaug is now transforming into a premier real estate destination, according to a recent report by SKYE Hospitality. Nestled on the outskirts of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), the coastal town’s charm and serenity are now being matched by a rising wave of experiential real estate developments, including gated villa communities, branded plots, and vacation homes.

The report outlines a sharp upward trend in property prices, noting that branded plots by top developers have reached an average of ₹6,700 per sq. ft. in 2025, compared to ₹3,300 per sq. ft. in 2021 — a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.3%. Non-branded land options are still available at lower rates ranging between ₹1,300 and ₹2,000 per sq. ft.

The luxury villa segment has experienced even steeper appreciation, growing at a CAGR of 27% between 2021 and 2025. Average villa prices have surged to ₹14,800 per sq. ft., reflecting growing demand for curated, high-end living. Leading developers including House of Abhinandan Lodha, Mahindra Lifespaces, Avas Wellness, Emaar, Equinox, and Axon Developers have either entered the Alibaug market or are preparing to launch projects soon.

“Alibaug is no more a quaint neighbourhood situated in the peripheries of the MMR. It is now in the midst of a property bull run,” said Mr. Ankit Kansal, MD, SKYE Hospitality. “With work-from-anywhere becoming the norm, Alibaug is an ideal destination for curated, premium living — from sea-facing bungalows to serviced villas and farmstays.”

The report also notes that Alibaug is now seeing demand for primary residences, with many residents from Mumbai, Pune, and surrounding regions considering a permanent move. Enhanced connectivity, including the Mumbai Trans Harbour Link (MTHL) and fast ferry services to Mandwa, has made Alibaug a practical alternative to urban neighbourhoods.

“The emergence of curated, high-quality residential formats further signals a maturing market,” added Ms. Taran Chhabra, Director, SKYE Hospitality. “This is no longer just about second homes — it’s about daily living in a refined and nature-rich environment.”

With price appreciation expected to accelerate up to 35% annually, Alibaug is well on its way to becoming one of India’s most aspirational property destinations.


ELIVAAS Partners with Akasa Air to Offer Seamless Pet-Friendly Travel Across India

ELIVAAS Partners with Akasa Air to Offer Seamless Pet-Friendly Travel Across India

By Author

Published on July 18, 2025

ELIVAAS, India’s leading luxury vacation rental brand, has partnered with Akasa Air to redefine the travel experience with seamless, pet-friendly holidays. This strategic alliance, which includes its sister brand Alaya Stays, will allow Akasa Air customers to enjoy exclusive discounts on over 100 ELIVAAS-managed luxury villas and fully serviced apartments across the country, all pet-inclusive.

The partnership brings together two customer-centric brands aiming to simplify travel for today’s modern Indian families, especially those with pets. With Akasa Air’s growing pet-friendly service, Pets on Akasa, and ELIVAAS’ thoughtful accommodations, travellers now have a smooth, end-to-end journey for every member of the family and their paws included.

“Through this collaboration, we’re not just offering a place to stay, we’re creating a comprehensive travel ecosystem,” said Ritwik Khare, Founder & CEO of ELIVAAS. “Akasa Air’s inclusive approach aligns beautifully with our philosophy. We want every guest, including their pets, to feel at home the moment their journey begins.”

The collaboration caters especially to India’s emerging DINKWAD (Double Income No Kids With A Dog) demographic, which is increasingly seeking premium, pet-inclusive getaways. The special offer is available to all Akasa Air customers via a unique coupon code and applies to bookings of two nights or more, across any of ELIVAAS or Alaya Stays’ destinations.

Whether it's a weekend escape or an extended retreat, ELIVAAS’ concierge team provides personalized service to ensure every detail, from pet amenities to family-friendly setups  is taken care of. This partnership offers flexibility, warmth, and convenience, helping travellers skip the stress of planning while still enjoying a curated experience.

As India’s appetite for luxury and pet-friendly travel grows, this partnership between ELIVAAS and Akasa Air sets a new benchmark. With a shared commitment to thoughtful hospitality, they’re reshaping how India travels, one paw at a time.

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