News

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority appoints Avinash Kanti Teelock as new Director

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) has announced the appointment of Avinash Kanti Teelock as its new Director, effective 30th May 2025. Teelock brings over a decade of experience in the tourism and hospitality sector, backed by a career spanning leadership roles across several of Mauritius’s top hotel brands. Prior to joining MTPA, Teelock served as Key Account Manager at Attitude Hotels from 2017 to 2023, where he played a pivotal role in driving international partnerships and crafting tailored growth strategies. His earlier experience includes working as a Cluster Sales Executive at Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, focusing on luxury and MICE tourism, and as a Sales and Marketing Executive at Beachcomber Hotels, where he honed his expertise in guest experience and brand positioning. A graduate of the University of Manchester, Teelock holds a Bachelor’s degree in Modern Language, Business, and Management (Chinese). He is fluent in English and French, with advanced proficiency in Mandarin, reflecting a strong capacity for engaging with key Asian tourism markets. Commenting on his appointment, Teelock said, “It is an honour to serve Mauritius in this role. I am committed to enhancing our country’s global tourism profile by promoting sustainable, culturally rich, and innovative travel experiences.” As Director of the MTPA, Teelock will spearhead efforts to strengthen Mauritius’s position as a leading island destination, with an emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and market diversification. This appointment marks a strategic step in aligning the country’s tourism goals with global trends and traveller expectations.

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Los Angeles Tourism launches digital trade hub for Indian travel trade

The Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board is proud to announce the launch of its first-ever India Travel Trade Hub, a dedicated online platform created exclusively for the Indian travel trade community. This initiative serves as a comprehensive one-stop resource for travel advisors, tour operators, and MICE planners across India, offering the tools, insights, and support needed to promote and sell Los Angeles more effectively. The hub provides a curated experience tailored to the Indian market, featuring: Ready-to-sell itineraries Digital brochures and destination videos Trade-exclusive offers, including the LA Perks Pass FAM trip information Training modules and webinars Access to WhatsApp for Business updates “India continues to be a key growth market for Los Angeles, and we are thrilled to deepen our engagement with the launch of this dynamic, first-of-its-kind Travel Trade Hub. This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting our trade partners with simplified tools and insights that make selling Los Angeles easier, more effective, and more rewarding,” said Seema Kadam, Regional Director, Los Angeles Tourism India. This strategic step aligns with Los Angeles Tourism’s ongoing efforts to deepen engagement in India, enhance destination knowledge, and support the trade with best-in-class selling tools. This also aligns perfectly with Los Angeles’ exciting trajectory, as the city prepares to host a series of global, marquee events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028. Major cultural and infrastructure developments such as the opening of Destination Crenshaw, a celebration of Black art and culture, and the ongoing transformation of LAX airport, are also expected to enhance the visitor experience.

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WTM London 2025 Now Open for Registration: New Features, Experiences and Growth Expected

WTM London 2025, returning to the iconic Excel London from 4-6 November, is now open for registration. This year’s event promises an even larger, more engaging experience with new features, including the WTM Trend Fest cultural program and the introduction of WTM TV. World Travel Market (WTM) London, one of the leading global travel trade events, is preparing for a record-breaking edition in 2025. Set to take place at London’s renowned Excel from November 4 to 6, WTM London is now officially open for registration, with organizers expecting it to be the largest in the event’s history. Following the immense success of the 2024 edition, which saw an 11% increase in qualified buyers and over 34,000 meetings, WTM London 2025 is poised to exceed expectations in terms of both scale and engagement. Building on the expansion of Excel London, the 2025 event will increase its footprint by an additional 25,000 m². This growth will allow for more space, enhanced content, and a broader variety of experiences for exhibitors, buyers, and attendees alike. One of the most exciting new additions this year is the debut of WTM Trend Fest—a dynamic, cultural programme that will spotlight immersive global experiences. The program will feature live performances, themed activations, and daily presentations, creating a unique and interactive experience for all participants. Record-Breaking Growth and New Exhibitor Opportunities Early indicators for WTM London 2025 suggest a surge in exhibitor participation, with new and returning exhibitors from a range of industries, including destinations, experiences, transport, accommodation, and tech solutions. As the event expands, the exhibitor experience is set to be even more elevated, with the introduction of WTM TV—an official television channel dedicated to educating, engaging, and connecting audiences throughout the event. WTM TV will provide exclusive content, interviews, and updates, ensuring that attendees stay informed on the latest trends and developments within the travel industry. The continued growth in exhibitor numbers also reflects the global demand for innovation and collaboration in the travel sector. This year, WTM London is expected to host a wide variety of exhibitors showcasing new products, services, and destinations, creating numerous opportunities for business networking and partnerships. Educational and Entertainment Enhancements WTM London is renowned for its high-level educational programming, and in 2025, the event will further build on this legacy with the introduction of a unified theme across all six of its conference tracks: ‘Reimagining Travel in a Changing World.’ This theme will ensure that all conference sessions align with the current and future challenges facing the travel and tourism industry. The event’s conference programme will feature renowned sessions such as the Ministers Summit, Sustainability Summit, Geo-economics Summit, Marketing Summit, WTM Global Travel Report, and the ITT Future You Forum. These highly anticipated sessions, which were a great success at previous editions, will return to the stage in 2025, providing in-depth insights into the most pressing topics in travel, from sustainability to the evolving geopolitical landscape. Adding even more value to the event’s educational offerings, WTM London will introduce bookable, fee-based masterclasses hosted by industry experts and exhibitors. These masterclasses will provide hands-on, specialized learning experiences on key topics such as marketing, sustainability, and technology in travel. The introduction of these new sessions reflects WTM London’s commitment to providing attendees with opportunities to expand their knowledge and skills in a rapidly evolving industry. Increasing Conference Session Attendance The continued rise in conference session attendance is one of the most notable trends at WTM London. In 2024, conference session attendance rose by 29%, and this upward trend is expected to continue in 2025. The event’s expanded stage and floor capacity will allow for even more attendees to participate in the various conference tracks, ensuring that WTM London remains a central hub for thought leadership in the travel and tourism industry. As the travel landscape continues to evolve, WTM London serves as a vital platform for discussing the key issues shaping the future of the sector. The addition of new content, speakers, and experiences will make 2025’s event even more indispensable for professionals across all sectors of the travel industry. Networking and Business Opportunities In addition to the educational programme, WTM London remains a premier destination for business networking. The event’s vast exhibitor floor, combined with its range of dedicated meeting spaces and lounges, offers ample opportunities for attendees to connect with key players in the travel and tourism sector. With over 34,000 meetings taking place during the 2024 event, WTM London is one of the most successful trade shows for driving business partnerships, collaborations, and sales. The show’s expansion will further enhance these opportunities, allowing for more exhibitors and attendees to interact, collaborate, and form meaningful business relationships. As the industry looks to recover and grow following the disruptions of recent years, WTM London is uniquely positioned to foster the connections and discussions that will drive the future of travel. A Sustainable Future for Travel As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, WTM London will continue to emphasize eco-friendly practices throughout the event. From its conference programme to its exhibition floor, the event will focus on promoting sustainable travel solutions, highlighting innovations in eco-tourism, and supporting initiatives that help mitigate the environmental impact of travel. Sustainability will be a central theme at many of the conference sessions, including the Sustainability Summit and the WTM Global Travel Report, where industry leaders will share insights on how the sector can transition to a more sustainable future. The focus on sustainability aligns with WTM London’s broader goal of encouraging the travel industry to take bold steps toward a greener, more responsible future. Looking Ahead to November 2025 With the 2025 event now open for registration, WTM London is gearing up for what is expected to be its largest and most successful edition yet. The expansion of the venue, the introduction of new programmes, and the continued growth in exhibitor numbers all point to an event that will be bigger, better, and more engaging than ever before. Travel professionals and industry leaders are encouraged to register early to ensure they don’t miss out on the valuable networking, learning, and business opportunities available at WTM London 2025. For more information on registration and the full event programme, visit the official WTM London website. Conclusion WTM London 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark event in the global travel industry, with new features, an expanded venue, and a focus on education, sustainability, and networking. As the event draws closer, anticipation is building for what promises to be a game-changing edition of the world’s leading travel trade show.

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Star Princess, Star of the Seas, Dream, Magic, and Breeze As Cruise Industry Branding Booms, Is It Time to Rethink Repetitive Names and Spark New Imagination at Sea?

Global Ramifications for Travelers and the Cruise Industry Across the globe, travelers are starting to notice a trend that could impact their experience even before stepping on board: a growing sameness in the names of cruise ships. Industry watchers are raising alarms over the increasing lack of originality in naming conventions, suggesting that this could blur the identity of cruise lines and weaken the excitement typically surrounding new ship launches. As the cruise industry expands rapidly, especially heading into 2025, there’s a mounting concern that the pool of memorable and unique names is running dry. This saturation may lead to confusion among passengers, as similar-sounding vessels may become hard to distinguish from one another. The result? Potential brand fatigue. Travelers seeking something distinct and special might begin to explore alternatives beyond the sea, drawn toward vacations that offer more personalized appeal. Repetitive Naming Poses a Creative Bottleneck Observers in the cruise world have pointed out that new ships seem to be arriving with overlapping names, stripping away the magic that a launch once held. Take 2025 for example—two much-anticipated ships, the Star Princess and the Star of the Seas, are both set to debut. The choice of the word “Star” in each name is hardly isolated. The term already appears in existing vessels such as Viking Star, Norwegian Star, Emerald Star, Star Clipper, Star Flyer, Wind Star, Star Legend, Star Pride, and Star Breeze. With such widespread use of this naming element, it’s becoming clear that the branding strategy is cycling through the same limited vocabulary. What may have once inspired trust and familiarity is now running the risk of making all ships feel interchangeable, blurring their uniqueness and making it harder for travelers to form strong associations with any particular line or voyage. Brand Identity at Risk For some cruise lines, naming conventions have morphed into long-standing traditions. A notable example involves the frequent reuse of the “-dam” suffix, which dates back to the 1880s. Over the decades, ships named Rotterdam, Noordam, Maasdam, Statendam, Amsterdam, and Nieuw Amsterdam have each had multiple iterations. What once felt like a proud lineage now risks being perceived as monotonous and repetitive. Other cruise lines are known for standardized naming frameworks—“of the Seas” remains consistent across one major fleet, while another uses the prefix “Silver” across its ships. Royal titles such as “Queen” are also common, and some fleets lean into themes like jewels, celestial bodies, or natural elements. Including the company name within the ship name, as seen with brands like Carnival, Princess, or Celebrity, was once a smart way to maintain brand identity. Now, however, such tactics might be limiting rather than liberating. While these choices originally promoted recognition and loyalty, they may now be stifling the innovation travelers expect from modern cruise vacations. Cultural Shifts in Naming Preferences When a British public poll asked citizens to name a polar research ship, the winning entry—Boaty McBoatface—quickly became an internet sensation. While humorous, the name struck a chord with the public and left a lasting impression that continues to resonate a decade later. Its popularity signaled a desire for playful, unexpected names that bring a touch of fun to otherwise formal traditions. Though no cruise company has taken that bold of a leap, some have tested public involvement. For example, when a cruise line opened naming contests, the outcomes—Pacific Aria and Pacific Eden—were the result. Yet, even these leaned toward conventionality rather than daring creativity. The strong public reaction to more lighthearted and original naming options shows there’s an untapped appetite for titles that better match the joy and freedom people associate with vacations. Opportunities for Innovation in Cruise Branding With the fleet of cruise ships only growing, finding a fresh and compelling name is becoming an uphill climb. Yet, this challenge also presents a golden opportunity. There’s increasing support among experts and travelers alike for ship names that spark emotion, curiosity, or imagination. Names like Sea-esta or Self Love Boat—though currently just creative musings—demonstrate the direction in which the industry could evolve. This next wave of naming could lean into themes of self-care, sustainability, or personal transformation, aligning with the interests of younger generations and niche traveler markets. A willingness to move away from the ordinary could not only revive public enthusiasm but also allow cruise lines to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. Looking Ahead: A Turning Point in Travel Identity As the cruise industry gears up for another transformative year in 2025, many believe it’s time to reconsider how ships are named. In an age when travelers are looking for unique, memorable experiences, a ship’s name often serves as the first impression. It should ignite excitement, not confusion. With ongoing changes shaped by post-pandemic travel habits and eco-conscious values, the naming of cruise ships is more than a cosmetic choice—it’s part of a larger shift in how we experience and perceive travel. Aligning ship names with modern expectations could offer cruise lines a strategic edge, while offering vacationers a renewed sense of wonder.

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Meghalaya announces Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 featuring Jason Derulo and The Script

Commemorating World Music Day, the Government of Meghalaya has announced the highly anticipated Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025, headlined by global music icons Jason Derulo and The Script, while also unveiling a visionary push for a sustainable Concert Economy that is transforming Meghalaya’s cultural landscape and economic trajectory. Returning on November 14 and 15, 2025, Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is set to turn Shillong into an immersive citywide celebration, stretching from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Ward’s Lake, with concerts, pop-ups, and interactive experiences. Day one will see international pop-R&B sensation Jason Derulo and Ireland’s chart-topping rock band The Script co-headlining. With over 220 million records sold between them, both acts are set to deliver high-octane performances in Shillong, making it one of the biggest music nights in India. “Every concert is a celebration of who we are. We are not just hosting performances; we are building an economy of talent and identity that speaks to the world. We have seen how the concert economy is an aspect that has been worked on in Meghalaya, and how it was implemented here long before it was done in any other part of the country. We have now simply given it a better structure and expanded it into much bigger programmes. We hope that, in the coming years, it will become even bigger,” said Shri Conrad K. Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya. “The two artists announced are just 50 per cent of the lineup. We’re working hard to lock in the rest and hope to confirm more big names within the next month. For now, it will remain a surprise that will make this edition even more exciting,” he added. The festival is just one expression of Meghalaya’s broader vision, an ambitious Concert Economy model that is yielding unprecedented 5.7x returns on investment, generating jobs, boosting tourism, and putting Meghalaya on the global music and culture map. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Meghalaya has emerged as a beacon of creative economic transformation. A public investment of Rs 23.5 crore in FY25 has already generated Rs 133.42 crore in economic impact. Over 76,000 visitors attended just 13 days of events, contributing nearly 5 per cent to the state’s annual tourist footfall. Hospitality revenues soared to Rs 33.78 crore, with hotels in Shillong and Cherrapunji fully booked and tourists extending their stay well beyond the main events. The sector created up to 5,509 daily jobs, with direct benefits flowing to youth, women-led kitchens, local artisans, and rural entrepreneurs. For every Rs 100 spent on tickets, an additional Rs 334 was spent on travel, food, and experiences, reflecting the extended impact across the value chain. From hosting global icons like Bryan Adams, Ed Sheeran, Akon, and Alan Walker to producing over 13,000 performances under the Meghalaya Grassroot Music Project (MGMP), the state is rewriting the narrative of what cultural development looks like in the Northeast. The strategy has led to over 7,750 local artists being registered, 22 million reel views, and 60,000 organic social media posts. It has also fostered global artist engagement with local culture, exemplified by Ed Sheeran’s impromptu football match with Shillong’s youth. Flagship events like Cherry Blossom and Me’Gong have grown into cultural powerhouses that continue to draw attention both nationally and internationally. Looking ahead, Meghalaya’s vision is to create a trillion-rupee creative economy with culture at its core. Plans include building a 365-day festival economy by extending concerts to all districts, enforcing zero-waste mandates, tribal sourcing for food and beverage, and a 30 per cent reservation for artisans and home kitchens. Infrastructure upgrades are underway, including development at Polo Grounds in Shillong, PA Sangma Stadium in Tura, and the creation of new cultural hubs. A cutting-edge Concert Impact Tracker is also being introduced to measure growth, job creation, and sustainability in real-time. From being the “Rock Capital of India” to becoming a blueprint for the future of creative economies, Meghalaya is harmonising culture, commerce, and community in a rhythm that resonates across the globe. Today, the launch of Season 3 of Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project featured scintillating live performances from Season 2’s top bands, the unveiling of the new MGMP Logo, a captivating MGMP Recap Video, the MGMP Awards Ceremony, and the Tourism Festival Booklet, a tribute to the vibrant culture of Meghalaya. The evening concluded on a high note with a soulful performance by popular singer-songwriter Anuv Jain, captivating the audience with his mesmerising set. Reflecting on high and energetic concert attendees, Anuv Jain stated that Shillong is one of the best places he has ever performed in the country.

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Sri Lanka Convention Bureau to host two-city MICE roadshow in Hyderabad and Bangalore

The Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission in Chennai, is set to organize two impactful MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) Roadshows and Evening Networking Sessions in Hyderabad and Bangalore during the first week of July 2025. This initiative is part of a focused effort to enhance Sri Lanka’s tourism presence in India, one of its most significant source markets. The first roadshow will be held on July 1st, 2025, at the Taj Krishna Hotel in Hyderabad, followed by the second roadshow on July 3rd, 2025, at the Taj West End in Bengaluru. India has consistently maintained its position as the top source market for Sri Lanka, contributing to 20% of total tourist arrivals. From January to 31st May 2025, Sri Lanka welcomed 1,029,803 tourists, of which 204,060 were from India. This upward trend reflects the growing demand and connectivity between the two countries. Sri Lanka’s tourism earnings have already crossed USD 1.54 billion in the first six months of 2025. Travel between the two nations remains seamless, with Sri Lankan Airlines operating 90 flights weekly connecting Sri Lanka with nine Indian cities. Additionally, IndiGo and Air India operate daily flights to both Hyderabad and Bangalore, making travel access convenient and quick for business and leisure travellers. These upcoming roadshows will showcase Sri Lanka’s varied MICE and tourism offerings, reinforcing that the destination is fully open and ready for leisure, business, and corporate travel. The events are tailored to engage MICE tour operators, media, influencers, corporate leaders, trade associations, and prominent stakeholders from the Indian travel industry. A 20-member delegation consisting of leading tour operators and hoteliers from Sri Lanka will lead the initiative, presenting the country’s diverse attractions and renowned hospitality. The roadshows are structured to encourage meaningful B2B (Business-to-Business) engagements and open dialogue. Evening networking sessions will further strengthen these connections in a more relaxed setting. A press conference in both cities will help ensure strong media coverage and visibility for Sri Lanka as a top travel destination. A performance by a Sri Lankan cultural troupe will offer a cultural highlight, bringing attention to the country’s rich heritage. Dheera Hettiarachchi, Chairman, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, stated, “Sri Lanka is an excellent MICE destination due to its proximity and strong connectivity, making it a cost-effective and appealing option for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. These roadshows will showcase Sri Lanka’s growth and help strengthen ties with India.” Malkanthi Welikala, Manager – Marketing, SLCB, added, “The event highlights Sri Lanka’s growing MICE capabilities and top-class venues. It will also build momentum for the 5th Edition of the Sri Lanka MICE Expo, scheduled for 22–26 September 2025 in Colombo, where over 100 international buyers from 15 countries are expected.”

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