As a part of a recent bureaucratic reshuffle, the Government of Maharashtra has announced the appointment of Vikas Pansare, an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, as the new Director of the Directorate of Tourism. Pansare has assumed charge of his position at the Directorate of Tourism, Mumbai, on July 30, 2026. Prior to this appointment, he served as Managing Director of...

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that Saadia Zahidi has been appointed by IATA’s Board of Directors to the position of Director General from November 1, 2026. Zahidi will be IATA’s ninth Director General and the first woman appointed to hold the position. She joins IATA from the World Economic Forum (WEF) where she is a Managing Director and Member of the...

Ankita Bhawsinka has been appointed as the Cluster Director of Marketing for Hyderabad Marriott Hotel and Convention Centre, Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad, Marriott Executive Apartment Hyderabad and Courtyard by Marriott Tirupati. With over 14 years of experience spanning business development, digital marketing, media strategy and public relations, she brings deep expertise across...

In a significant development for the Indian travel and railway trade, the Ministry of Railways has appointed Rahul Himalian to take additional charge as Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC). This transition follows the resignation of Sanjay Kumar Jain. Himalian, who currently serves as Director (Tourism & Marketing)...

HiLITE Group has announced a strategic shift into the hospitality industry with the appointment of Neka Sulaiman as Director of HiLITE Holdings. In her new capacity, Sulaiman will spearhead the group’s ambitious expansion, targeting the development of 1,000 hotel keys across Kerala by 2030...

The Marriott Hotels in Mauritius announced the appointment of new Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Patrick Lan. Lan brings over 20 years of international experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, with expertise spanning commercial strategy, sales, marketing, revenue management and hotel operations across luxury and upscale resorts. Throughout his career, Lan has held senior...

Jangid began his career with a chartered accountancy firm before transitioning into hospitality, where he steadily built expertise in strategic financial planning.

Suba Hotels Ltd. announced the appointment of Kevin Ashley Martis as Vice President – Sales & Marketing. In this leadership role, he will oversee the sales and marketing functions for the company's diverse portfolio of brands, including Suba Hotels, Click Hotels & Resorts, GenX Hotels, RnB Hotels, and the Choice Hotels brands – Clarion, Quality, and Comfort...

Virgin Atlantic has appointed Sophie Woodford as Vice President Brand & Marketing, overseeing end-to-end marketing delivery, including customer growth and performance. Woodford joined Virgin Atlantic three years ago, most recently leading the carrier’s creative, content and studio teams as Head of Creative & Design. During this time, Woodford played a key role in shaping the design...

Novotel Goa Resort & Spa and Novotel Goa Candolim announced the appointment of Resha Naik as Marketing & Communications Manager. Returning to the twin properties, Naik brings with her a wealth of hospitality marketing expertise and a deep understanding of the brands, having previously played a pivotal role in strengthening their market presence and executing impactful marketing initiatives...