As the monsoon paints Mahabaleshwar in shades of green and mist, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar transforms into the perfect retreat for those seeking a soulful pause. Perched above the spectacular Lingmala Waterfalls and overlooking the serene Venna River, this scenic escape in the Sahyadris invites guests to slow down, breathe deep, and truly savour the beauty of the season.

Every corner of the property offers postcard-perfect views—from rolling clouds floating past your balcony to lush hills bathed in mist. Whether you're sipping on a warm cup of tea or soaking in a private plunge pool, it's an experience designed to bring calm and clarity.

The resort offers a range of thoughtfully curated accommodations—from valley-view garden rooms to mountain-facing balconies and intimate private villas with personal plunge pools, each crafted to maximise comfort and tranquillity.

Adding more delight to the stay is the Monsoon Gateway Offer, a seasonal package designed to elevate the experience with a range of inclusions:

• Daily buffet breakfast

• Dinner at the signature Berry Library

• One-time complimentary minibar

• 15% off on food and soft beverages

• Evening tea/coffee service between 4–5 PM

• A complimentary bottle of house wine on arrival

Just minutes from popular points like Wilson Point and Kate’s Point, guests can also enjoy nature walks and short excursions between long spells of leisure and indulgence.

Known for its warm hospitality, personalized service, and flavour-rich cuisine, Courtyard by Marriott Mahabaleshwar makes a strong case for the perfect monsoon escape—be it a romantic retreat, family break, or quick getaway with friends.

Take the scenic route this season—let the hills, waterfalls, and warm comforts of Marriott’s hospitality remind you to slow down and cherish life’s simpler joys.

Kerala is gearing up to host India’s first-ever Wedding and MICE Conclave in Kochi from August 14 to 16, aiming to transform the state into a major global hub for destination weddings and corporate events. Organized by the Kerala Travel Mart Society (KTM Society) in collaboration with the Department of Tourism, the event will serve as a B2B networking platform for domestic and international buyers, wedding planners, event professionals, and hospitality stakeholders.

Announcing the conclave at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram, Tourism Minister Shri P.A. Mohamed Riyas stated that the initiative is part of a broader plan to promote integrated tourism development in Kerala. “The conclave aims to tap into Kerala’s immense potential in this fast-growing segment and showcase the state as a one-stop destination for high-end weddings and large-scale events,” he said.

So far, 360 domestic and 40 international buyers have registered, alongside 65 sellers from the wedding and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) sectors. The event will open with an inaugural session on August 14 at Grand Hyatt, Bolgatty Island, followed by business meetings and exhibitions on August 15 and 16 at Le Meridien, Kochi.

The state’s successful marketing campaigns post-pandemic have already begun to show results, with around 1,000 destination weddings hosted in Kerala last year alone, the Minister noted. With strong infrastructure, scenic diversity, and cultural richness, Kerala is fast becoming a top choice for wedding tourism.

The conclave will also promote government-supported accommodations like homestays, PWD rest houses, and tourism guest houses, in addition to luxury hotels and resorts, to cater to a wider audience.

KTM Society President Jose Pradeep highlighted that the event, themed ‘Center Stage Kerala’, is aligned with the state’s vision to become a premier destination for both weddings and business tourism. “It will bring together wedding planners, conference organisers, hospitality brands, and logistics providers to collectively shape the future of this sector,” he said.

The event will feature:

• Pre-scheduled B2B meetings

• Expert-led training workshops

• Exhibitions from destination wedding service providers

• Seminars featuring international speakers

• Familiarisation trips to top wedding and MICE destinations across Kerala including Kochi, Munnar, Kumarakom, Wayanad, and Kovalam.

From showcasing Kerala’s serene beaches and backwaters to its historic architecture and cuisine, the conclave will provide a 360-degree look at the state’s offerings for unforgettable events.

“This is not just about high-profile weddings—it’s about inclusive growth,” Minister Riyas added. “When the tourism sector thrives, everyone from auto drivers to resort owners benefits.”

With high expectations and a strong industry response, the Wedding and MICE Conclave promises to be a landmark event in Kerala’s journey towards becoming a top-tier event tourism destination.

Thailand’s tourism sector continues its strong post-pandemic rebound, as the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced that over one million Indian tourists have already visited the country before the halfway mark of 2025.

This early milestone underscores Thailand’s enduring appeal for Indian travellers across leisure, luxury, wellness, and spiritual tourism segments. It also builds on the record-breaking momentum of 2024, when Thailand welcomed more than 2.1 million Indian visitors out of a total 35 million international tourists.

Several factors are fuelling this continued growth:

• A visa exemption programme allowing up to 60-day stays

• Strong air connectivity with multiple direct flights from cities across India

• The newly launched Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for smoother entry

• A broad and diverse set of tourism experiences—from beach escapes and spa retreats to food trails and festivals

What’s especially noteworthy is the surge in travellers from Tier 2 and Tier 3 Indian cities such as Surat, Rajkot, Nagpur, and Nashik, reflecting a broader shift toward high-spend, experience-led travel from emerging markets.

In response to this growing demand, TAT is ramping up its engagement efforts with India through joint promotions, customised marketing campaigns, and trade events designed to promote longer stays and higher-value travel.

These initiatives are closely aligned with Thailand’s long-term strategy of encouraging sustainable and inclusive tourism, ensuring the country remains a top choice for Indian travellers not just now—but well into the future.