Mr. Tan is a veteran of STB, having dedicated 18 years to the organisation in various pivotal roles. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director for World Expo and led the whole-of-government efforts to conceptualise, develop, and operate the Singapore Pavilion at Osaka World Expo 2025. From 2015 to 2022, he was based in Tokyo, Japan, as the Regional Director for North Asia, overseeing STB operations in Japan and the Republic of Korea. His innovative marketing initiatives and collaborations with several brands played a crucial role in showcasing Singapore as an exciting destination, influencing markets beyond the two countries. His international stint includes an impactful role in Guangzhou, China, where he was appointed Area Director, Southern China, and Hong Kong and Macau. His significant contributions to the tourism industry have left an indelible mark on the China and North Asia markets, as they have been instrumental in transforming these dynamic regions into key pillars of Singapore’s global tourism success. One of Mr. Tan’s unique strengths is his keen grasp and deep understanding of the BTMICE market through his various roles and projects in the space. Over the years, he has honed his skills and held key positions like Deputy Director, BTMICE Planning & Marketing, where he played a crucial role in developing strategies for the growth of Singapore’s BTMICE industry, as well as in marketing activities to strengthen Singapore’s position as a global business and MICE destination.

Mr. Tan will be taking over from the current Regional Director, Mr. GB Srithar. Speaking on the leadership handover, Mr. Srithar said, “I am thrilled to pass on the baton to Markus to lead Singapore’s tourism business across the IMESA region. Over the course of my tenure in this role, we have witnessed India’s steady growth into a true global powerhouse, with an outbound tourism market that is brimming with opportunities. With his robust expertise in the industry and building on the strong affinity that Indian travellers have for Singapore, I am confident that he is in good stead to steer the organisation through this new era of travel and tourism.”

On his appointment, Mr. Tan said, “I am excited to take on the role of STB’s Regional Director in IMESA. India is a nation of rich culture, diversity, and, particularly in this historic moment of its explosive global growth, incredible business opportunities. As STB strives to showcase the best of what Singapore has to offer, we remain committed to nurturing our existing relationships and cultivating new ones with the Indian travel industry. With the support of my team, I look forward to embarking on this journey with our partners and friends across India and together encouraging Indians to build even deeper connections with Singapore.”

National, 27th September 2023: This World Tourism Day, which is coinciding with the long weekend, explore the beauty of India and travel sustainably to protect our planet and soak in the diverse cultures and experiences that India has to offer. Looking for quick getaways and making the most of the upcoming public holidays beginning from 29th September until 2nd October on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti? We have curated a list of cities that will give you a complete get away experience from your daily routine, from the picturesque splendours of North India to the cultural wonders of the South. So pack your luggage, and let’s go on an adventure unlike any other.

Top Destinations to visit this weekend:

Agra: For an exciting trip down India’s glorious heritage, visit Agra to witness one of the 7 wonders of the world the Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the rich Mughal history that surrounds this magnificent monument.

Dehradun: For a serene getaway, far from the hustle bustle of the city life, visit the picturesque Dehradun. Discover the serenity of the Himalayan foothills, where rich flora and quiet scenery awaits. Dehradun is one of India’s most beautiful and scenic cities, lying between the Himalayan foothills and directly in the Doon Valley, where two great rivers, the Yamuna and Ganga, meet.

Jaipur (Rajasthan): Discover the Pink City’s royal legacy and culture through its stately palaces, forts, and colourful markets. It is one among the most popular tourist spots and shopping destinations in Rajasthan.

Delhi: Dive into India’s capital city, where history meets modernity, with its iconic landmarks and diverse cultures

Bhopal: Discover the “City of Lakes” with its unique combination of natural beauty, architectural marvels and a delectable cuisine

Chennai: Enjoy the charm of the seaside, the rich cultural legacy, and the exquisite South Indian food. Chennai is a lovely city with many fantastic sites to visit, each guaranteeing a distinct experience.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad, India’s Telangana state capital is a mesmerising blend of heritage and progress. Immerse yourself in Nizami culture, try the famous Hyderabadi biryani, and see historic sites.

Tirupati: Seek blessings at the ancient Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the world’s wealthiest and most visited temples.

Vijayawada: Discover Andhra Pradesh’s bustling metropolis, recognised for its rich history and vibrant local culture.

Bengaluru: Engross yourself in India’s Silicon Valley, where technology meets heritage, and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife and cafes.

Participate in the World Tourism Day celebrations and make your travels eco-conscious, in line with this year’s theme of “Tourism and Green Investments”, by booking an eco-friendly electric inter-city travel experience with NueGo and make a difference in your life’s journey and the environment both. Enjoy a seamless booking experience on www.nuego.in or through the NueGo App. By booking tickets through the NueGo website and using the promotional code “FUKREY”, users can also enjoy a flat 10% discount on all routes, applicable until 31st October, 2023.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to travel, learn, and leave the environment with lower carbon footprints this Gandhi Jayanti!

He spelled out the guiding principles for building greater trust in the digital age and dominance of AI in all spheres of life; key being

• Bringing greater transparency about sources and methodology.
• Demarcating between an ‘opinion piece’ and the ‘news’ and having in place,
• Rigorous fact-checking and verification mechanism.
• Ethical Reporting. Media literacy education to people to prevent them from misinformation and
• Educating the audience about data privacy and security concerns related to digital mass communication.

Shri Zutshi complimented the team at PRCI and PRSD for instituting ‘Chanakya’ Awards to honour the achievers in the field of public relations and mass communication and it was a matter of happiness to give away these awards at the event to the best performers and achievers. It was also a pleasure to hear the address of the Honorable Member of Parliament and Chairman, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence, Shri Jual Oram, the Chief Guest at the event.

Even on the National Stock Exchange, the stock listed at Rs 626, up 95.6% over the issue price more than expected .

Investors who invested in the IPO doubled their money in a single day. Retail investors and employees earned Rs 10 more for each share, as they got shares at a discount of Rs 10 per share.

The Rs 638-crore public issue was subscribed 112 times during September 30 and October 3 and the issue price was fixed at Rs 315-320 per share.

IRCTC is a Mini-Ratna Category-I Public Sector Enterprise and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Indian Railways. The only entity authorized by Indian Railways to offer catering services to railways, online railway tickets for trains in India. It also provides non-railway services including budget hotels, e-catering and executive lounges to create a one-stop solution for customers.

The public issue had comprised an offer for sale of 2,01,60,000 equity shares. The shareholding of government in the railways’ tourism and catering subsidiary reduced to 87.40% post issue.

IRCTC in four business segments—internet ticketing, catering, packaged drinking water, under the Rail Neer brand, and travel and tourism.

Governor Satya Pal Malik had  lifted the restriction on entry of tourists after holding a security review meeting. The government had asked the tourists to curtail their stay in the Valley “immediately” soon after it took the step to call off the annual Amarnath Yatra on August 2. Then the Parliament effectively scrapped Article 370 of the Constitution that given special status to the state, and divided it into two union territories.

The administration had also imposed restrictions on movement, snapped phone and telephone lines, arrested the state’s political class and deployed more troops to prevent any backlash to the controversial move.

Tourist operators had told the media in late August they were badly hit by the sharp drop-off in visitor numbers, and were worried many people would stay away for a prolonged period.

More than half a million people visited the valley in the first seven months of this year, according to official data. In addition, some 340,000 religious tourists were also visiting the valley in July before their pilgrimage was called off due to the terror claims. Just 150 foreign travellers visited Kashmir after August 5, the figures showed.

The measure to lift the travel ban, however, has been called half-hearted by critics, with many pointing out that hardly anyone would want to visit till the communication blackout persists.

Over the last one week, the administration has taken some steps to test the uneasy calm in the state as it has come under increasing international scrutiny for the prolonged clampdown .

On Wednesday, the administration re-opened higher secondary schools, colleges and universities. In Srinagar, security forces were stationed outside the prestigious Sri Pratap College and were allowing students on the campus after checking their identity cards.

The administration will also release three political detainees on Thursday after making them sign a bond, promising “good behaviour”. ​