With demand for international air traffic soaring, airlines are venturing further into global arena, launching new flights and expanding frequencies. Jet Airways will commence its Mumbai-Johannesburg daily direct flights on April 14. Last two years' economic slowdown had put brakes on Jet's international expansion, with some of its flights incurring losses. Johannesburg will be the African beachhead for India's largest airline, which flies to 42 destinations in India and 22 across the world.

According to a PTI report, Jet Airways has announced that it will increase fares by ten-15 per cent this month to offset rising jet fuel prices. Shiv Kumar, Vice-President (Revenue Management), Jet Airways said that fares are set to rise by ten-15 per cent in April-June over January-March period this year. Jet fuel prices have been increasing with crude oil prices nearly doubling from last year's level to trade at USD 86 per barrel now. Kumar, who said crude prices are a concern, added that volumes were seen rising, particularly on domestic routes -- which may be influencing the pricing decision.

Get ready for one of the most remarkable journeys on the Royal Rajasthan on Wheels, an upgraded version of the Palace on Wheels, that will take you on a royal sojourn. Varanasi has been included in the destinations of the royal train, which will start frequenting the city from September next.

Marriott International announced today the signing of four additional hotels for its portfolio in India, bringing the total to 29 properties now under construction or in planning in India.

Hospitality major Marriott Hotels India will open 29 more hotels by 2013, of which 20 would be under its Courtyard brand, a top company official said.

During a televised addressed at 18.00 hrs on April 7, 2010, Abhisit, Vejjajiva, Prime Minister of Thailand informed the public of the Thai Cabinet's decision to declare a severe emergency situation. According to a report in traveldailynews.com by Theodore Koumelius, the Declaration of a Severe Emergency Situation covers areas of Bangkok and certain districts of five nearby provinces.

Kingfisher Airlines has tied-up with Anna University to carry out joint research in order to cut down carbon emissions and introduce bio-fuel.

Dublin-based Ryanair raised its checked baggage charges to £20 for each leg from prevailing rate of £15. The move intends to fetch nearly £20 million keeping in the mind the busiest summer months of July and August.

Messe Berlin (Singapore) has announced details of its enhanced hosted buyers’ programme for ITB Asia 2010, which will be held from October 20-22, 2010 in Singapore. New filtering techniques are being introduced. The aim is to ensure that only high quality buyers will enter the pre-scheduled appointment system to meet exhibitors. Nino Gruettke, Executive Director, ITB Asia, who leads the ITB Asia team in Singapore said, “We want to focus on quality over quantity. We will limit the number of hosted buyers to 700 and make sure these are the best we can get.” Messe Berlin (Singapore) positions ITB Asia as ‘The Trade Show for the Asian Travel Market’. The company is a subsidiary of Messe Berlin, which has organised ITB Berlin for 44 years.

he Claridges, Surajkund, luxury business resort, located in National Capital Region (NCR), Delhi in its second phase of project is going to add 137 rooms before Commonwealth Games 2010. Oliver C. Martin, General Manager, The Claridges, Surajkund informed that besides the rooms, it will also add a 15,500 sq ft spa and an Indian restaurant which will come up in mid-June this year.