The Newsletter from the Creative Travel Family of Brands
Dear Industry Colleagues,
Welcome to another edition of 'Creatively Yours'.
It’s 2026 - a new chapter, a fresh start. We stop and ponder on all that happened in the year gone by, and wonder what the year ahead holds for us. Everyone has expectations for the new year to bring in a lot more happiness and optimism than the complicated year that has gone by. The past cannot be changed; the future is yet in your power. All we know for sure is that each year paves the way to new hopes and new promises.
Mahatma Gandhi said, “The future depends on what we do in the present.”
2026 marks our 49th year as one of South Asia's most respected travel companies. We remain dedicated to showcasing the wonders of our region and crafting unforgettable travel experiences, driven by a team that embraces every challenge with passion and resilience.
We are also immensely proud of our collective achievements. We were awarded by the highly prestigious World Travel Awards once again in three categories, bringing our tally to 33. We also received our first-ever World Luxury Travel Awards win for "Best Destination Management Company" and were named the “Best Luxury DMC in India” at the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards. With a nomination for our 9th SITE Crystal Awards for excellence in Incentive Travel, we had a great year.
These achievements are a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, who strive tirelessly to deliver exceptional travel experiences for our guests. We would be remiss if we did not recognise that we could not have done all of this without the support and guidance of our friends, family and partners across the world. Thank you.
As 2026 unfolds, we are energised to continue innovating, expanding, and inspiring. The Creative Family is more than a business – it is a bond that unites our team, partners, and guests in the shared joy of exploration. With each journey we plan, our purpose remains clear: to celebrate the diversity, culture, and natural beauty of South Asia, crafting stories that will be cherished for years to come.
Remember, we also offer custom training and one-on-one strategy sessions for travel advisors and tour operators worldwide. To book a session, email us at knowledge@creative.travel with your details.
In addition to our monthly newsletter, you can now stay even more informed with weekly news updates with The South Asia Travel Journal.
On behalf of the Kohli family and the entire team at Creative Travel, Away & Co, Plan it! Meetings & Conferences, and JungleSutra Wildlife Journeys, we wish you and your loved ones a prosperous and fulfilling 2026.
Here’s to another year of creativity, collaboration, and adventure.
Milieu 2025 was a heartfelt celebration of people, journeys, and the many moments that bring the Creative family together. More than an annual gathering, it was a reflection of who we are: a close-knit community that grows, celebrates, and stands by one another through every chapter. The afternoon unfolded with warmth and energy as we marked milestones of team members who have grown with the organisation, welcomed our new joiners, and shared light-hearted moments through our internal awards. From playful skits that captured everyday life at Creative to high-energy dance performances, the stage came alive with laughter, talent, and camaraderie.
ITC Hotels Expands Storii Brand to India’s Premier Wildlife Destinations
ITC Hotels Limited is set to expand its boutique brand, Storii by ITC Hotels, into India’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, with properties planned in Jawai, Ranthambore, Dhari Gir, and Sasan Gir.
Marriott Bonvoy Debuts Dual-Branded Hotel Complex in Amritsar
Marriott Bonvoy has expanded its footprint in Punjab with the opening of a dual-branded hospitality complex featuring Marriott Executive Apartments Amritsar and Four Points by Sheraton Amritsar, Mall Road. Strategically located near key transport hubs and major landmarks, the development brings 183 rooms and apartments together in a modern, flexible format catering to both short-stay and extended-stay travellers.
Delhi government to set up dedicated PMU to boost tourism development
The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has approved the creation of a dedicated Project Management Unit (PMU) to strengthen tourism planning, execution, and coordination across the city. The initiative aims to enhance Delhi’s visitor experience while accelerating investment.
IHCL Signs Greenfield Taj Hotel in Mohali, Strengthening Presence in Punjab
Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has announced the signing of a greenfield Taj hotel in Mohali, Punjab, marking a strategic expansion of the brand in one of the state’s fastest-growing urban centres.Commenting on the development, Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said Mohali’s rise as a prominent IT and commercial hub, along with Punjab’s growing popularity as a destination for weddings and large social events, makes it a key market for the company’s continued growth strategy.
Sindhudurg Airport Cleared for Round-the-Clock All-Weather Operations
Sindhudurg Airport in Maharashtra’s Konkan region has received approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for 24×7 all-weather operations, significantly enhancing its operational capability. The clearance allows aircraft movements during low visibility and adverse weather conditions, improving reliability for airlines and passengers alike.
Jetstar confirms Melbourne–Colombo direct flights from August 2026
Jetstar has announced its first-ever direct services between Australia and Sri Lanka, with non-stop flights from Melbourne to Colombo set to commence on 25 August 2026. The year-round service will operate three times a week, making Jetstar the only low-cost carrier to offer direct connectivity on this route.The Melbourne–Colombo flights will be operated using Jetstar’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, offering more than 100,000 low-fare seats annually. The aircraft are scheduled to undergo progressive upgrades from early 2026, including refreshed economy and business class cabins, an expanded business class cabin.
Uttarakhand to Launch ‘Snow Leopard Tour’ to Boost Winter Tourism
Uttarakhand is set to introduce a ‘Snow Leopard Tour’ as part of a broader winter tourism initiative aimed at promoting adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences across the state.
WelcomHeritage Tadoba Vanya Villas Resort & Spa: A Wilderness Retreat at the Edge of the Jungle
Nestled near the Kolara Gate of Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, this resort offers a tranquil base for travellers drawn to wildlife, nature and quiet luxury. The resort spans dense forests and grasslands, home to Bengal tigers, Indian leopards, sloth bears, deer and rich birdlife, making it a perfect launchpad for jeep safaris and jungle adventures.
Magh Bihu: Honouring the End of the Harvest, (15th January, 2026)
Magh Bihu arrives not with spectacle alone, but with warmth, of hearth fires, shared meals, and gratitude whispered to the land. Celebrated in Assam, this harvest festival marks the culmination of the agrarian year, when granaries are full and the soil is allowed a moment of rest.
Sonam Lhosar: Nepal’s Lunar New Year of Renewal and Resolve (19th January 2026)
In the Himalayan folds of Nepal, time does not merely turn; it is honoured. Sonam Lhosar marks the New Year of the Tamang and Hyolmo communities, rooted in the ancient Lunar calendar and shaped by centuries of Tibetan-Buddhist philosophy.The word Lho means year, Sar means new, yet Sonam Lhosar is not just about beginnings. It is about alignment: with nature, with spiritual cycles, and with ancestral memory.
When the Sun Turns North: India’s Season of Renewal
January does not arrive quietly in India. It announces itself through fire, grain, and sky, through festivals that honour the land and the people who tend it. Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal mark this moment of transition, when the harvest is gathered and the year begins to turn once more.
Tattva Spa– Where Earth’s Elements Find Balance Within You
In a world that races forward, Tattva Wellness Spa asks us to pause. Named after the ancient Eastern belief in the five Tattvas: Prithvi (earth), Jal (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), and Akash (space). This sanctuary honors balance as the heartbeat of wellness. It believes that harmony between these elements isn’t just philosophy, but the quiet architecture of peace in the body and mind.
Embark on a captivating odyssey through the vibrant heartland of Gujarat, Mumbai, and Delhi, where every step unravels the rich tapestry of Mahatma Gandhi’s indelible legacy. Our meticulously crafted journey offers an immersive exploration, guiding you through the footsteps of the revered icon. From the sacred grounds of Porbandar, Gandhi’s birthplace, to the tranquil sanctuaries of Rajkot and the revered Sabarmati Ashram, each stop resonates with the essence of his transformative philosophy. Engage with esteemed scholars, delving into the timeless relevance of Gandhian principles in today’s world.
Dwarika’s Sanctuary, Nepal: A Cool Himalayan Escape Redefined
Nestled in the tranquil hills of Dhulikhel, Nepal, Dwarika’s Resort has evolved into Dwarika’s Sanctuary—a destination that redefines luxury through wellness, nature, and conscious living. This rebranding marks a shift from being a resort to becoming a holistic sanctuary, designed for travellers seeking restoration, balance, and deeper connection.
Winter, Made Edible: India’s Sweet Rituals of the Cold
Indian winters announce themselves quietly: through misted mornings, softened sunlight, and sweets that appear only when the air turns cold. These are not everyday indulgences. They are seasonal rituals, prepared with intention, shared with warmth, and remembered long after winter fades.
Pandit Ravi Shankar: When India Found Its Global Voice
Some artists perform. Others translate cultures. Pandit Ravi Shankar did something truly rare: he carried the soul of Indian classical music across borders, languages, and generations, without diluting its depth.
Kheer has always held a special place in Indian kitchens. It is prepared for festivals and offered during prayers, yet it is just as present at simple family meals. Made with milk, rice, and time, kheer represents abundance and care. The slow simmering of milk and grains allows the flavours to deepen, creating a dessert that feels both comforting and ceremonial. Each bowl carries warmth and familiarity, reminding us that the simplest dishes often stay with us the longest.
Global Sales Offices: Creative Travel has network of sales teams around the world to assist you in your region. Specialists are available to assist you with information on leisure travel, special interest trips, corporate, meetings & incentive travel and wildlife products. For details please visit www.creative.travel/contacts
283, Udyog Vihar II, Gurugram, Haryana-122016, India T: +91124 4567 777 24 Hours Emergency Contact Number: +919911 266277
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