News Broadcasting
CNN Intl’s Task Group, UNWTO strike global partnership
MUMBAI: CNN International today announced the formation of a global strategic partnership between the CNN Tourism, Advertising Solutions and Knowledge (Task) Group and the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).
The partnership sees Task and the UNWTO collaborate on industry events to ensure the best breed of knowledge and latest data is imparted to sector professionals. The Task Group and the UNWTO will share content, join forces on industry newsletters and cross promote services across each other’s respective platforms.
The Task Group, a fully complimentary, bespoke client service comprising a team of external experts in tourism and economic development, works closely with CNN to support clients to create impactful tourism communications solutions. Now in its third year of global operations, the Task Group celebrates assisting more than 65 Ministries of Tourism and tourism industry leaders across the world with strategic advice to enhance their nation and brand building efforts and navigate crisis issues.
The announcement of Task’s partnership with the UNWTO comes as the world’s travel and tourism industry leaders prepare to gather at the annual World Travel Market (WTM) in London to discuss the role of the sector as a driver of economic growth, since the market collapse.
CNN Intl VP, news ad sales, Asia Pacific William Hsu says, “CNN is proud to join with the UNWTO to demonstrate our commitment to the development and growth of the travel and tourism sector. We work closely with country tourism ministries and are acutely aware of the importance of the industry as the global economy looks to repair itself. This partnership gives both organisations the opportunity to offer unique expertise at a critical time.”
UNWTO secretary general Dr Taleb Rifai says, “The partnership between UNWTO and CNN International is a significant step towards highlighting the economic, cultural, social, environmental and political potentials of travel and tourism. The travel and tourism industry continues to grow, employing hundreds of millions of people, contributing to the socio-economic development of the world’s poorest countries. Yet, its future depends on the realisation of its potential and its integration into the global economic and political agenda. Through this partnership between CNN and UNWTO, have the opportunity to maximise their benefits in a highly competitive market through the Task Group’s destination marketing.”
The alliance will specifically include Task support at key UNWTO member and general tourism sector initiatives such as the UNWTO World Tourism Day, UNWTO Roadmap for Recovery’ and the United Nations Copenhagen Climate Change Summit (COP15).
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
