MAM
RAK on the rise as Vishal Bhatia takes charge of India market push
MUMBAI: From the Queen’s land to the land of dunes, Vishal Bhatia is ready to chart new trails. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has appointed travel industry veteran Vishal Bhatia as India market director, a strategic move to turbocharge the emirate’s presence in one of its most promising source markets. Based in Mumbai, Bhatia will drive the destination’s operations and outreach in India, aiming to make Ras Al Khaimah the top-of-mind escape for everything from luxury leisure to dreamy desert weddings.
Bhatia brings with him over two decades of experience, including an impactful stint as country manager at VisitBritain, where he helped shape the UK’s India tourism gameplan. Now, he’s turning his attention to the sun-kissed beaches and rugged mountains of Ras Al Khaimah, a destination already climbing the charts among Indian holidaymakers.
RAKTDA vice president for destination tourism development Iyad Rasbey said, “Vishal’s appointment comes at a pivotal time as we continue to see strong growth from India. With his deep understanding of the market and relevant expertise, he will support our efforts to enhance Ras Al Khaimah’s appeal among Indian travellers as a year- round destination. He will also play a key role in tapping into the destination wedding segment, which continues to show promising potential for the Emirate.”
Commenting on his new role, Bhatia said, “Joining RAKTDA presents a meaningful opportunity to build on the growing interest Ras Al Khaimah is receiving from India. My focus will be on strengthening trade and consumer engagement, increasing awareness across key cities, and unlocking opportunities across diverse segments. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of growth from this important market.”
The appointment also underlines RAKTDA’s sustained investment in high-growth markets like India and its intent to tap deeper into segments like destination weddings, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), and experiential travel.
With Bhatia at the helm, Ras Al Khaimah’s India strategy now has a seasoned navigator steering the ship, one that’s already setting sail for stronger tourism ties and record-breaking footfalls.
Brands
Axis Bank named Official Banking Partner of DP World PGTI
Partnership supports all tournaments this season to grow professional golf in India.
MUMBAI: Axis Bank just teed up a hole-in-one partnership because when a bank sponsors golf’s biggest swing in India, even the fairways feel more financially secure. Axis Bank has been appointed Official Banking Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India (DP World PGTI), strengthening its commitment to sporting excellence and community engagement while backing the growth of professional golf across the country.
Under the partnership, Axis Bank will support all DP World PGTI tournaments this season, contributing to talent development, enhanced tournament experiences and wider fan engagement. The collaboration aligns the bank’s values of precision, discipline and trust with the Tour’s focus on performance and opportunity.
Axis Bank executive director Munish Sharda said, “We are pleased to partner with DP World PGTI as its Official Banking Partner. Golf embodies precision, discipline, and a pursuit of excellence qualities that strongly reflect who we are at Axis Bank. This association also strengthens our engagement with India’s growing premium customer segments, where the sport has a deep and enduring connect.”
Professional Golf Tour of India president Kapil Dev said, “We are extremely pleased to welcome Axis Bank as a Tour Partner of the DP World Professional Golf Tour of India. Partnerships of this stature play a vital role in strengthening the foundation of the Tour, enhancing opportunities for our players, and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.”
Professional Golf Tour of India CEO Amandeep Johl added, “Axis Bank’s strong legacy of excellence, innovation, and nationwide reach aligns perfectly with DP World PGTI’s goal to elevate professional golf in India and provide greater opportunities for our players.”
In a sport where every stroke counts and every partnership drives distance, Axis Bank isn’t just backing golfers, it’s investing in the fairway to future, turning India’s greens into a stage where precision meets passion and every drive has the power to inspire.
