ITV

Tag: International

  • India’s tourism bonanza continues as foreign arrivals hit record high

    India’s tourism bonanza continues as foreign arrivals hit record high

    MUMBAI: India’s tourism sector is roaring back to life, with foreign tourist arrivals surging to nearly 100 million last year—the highest on record. The ministry of tourism announced that 99.5 million foreigners visited India in 2024, up from just 15.3 million during the pandemic-ravaged year of 2021.

    The recovery has been spectacular. Foreign exchange earnings from tourism more than quadrupled from Rs 64,000 crore in 2021 to Rs 293,000 crore in 2024. Tourism’s share of GDP has jumped from a measly 1.5 per cent in 2020-21 to 5.2 per cent in 2023-24, making it a significant economic driver.

    Americans lead the charge, with 1.8 million visitors in 2024, followed closely by Bangladeshis at 1.75million. The British, Australians and Canadians round up the top five source markets. Notably, Australia saw its visitor numbers soar from just 34,000 in 2021 to over 518,000 in 2024.

    The boom has created jobs too. Employment in tourism rose from 68 million  positions in 2020-21 to 84.6 million in 2023-24, providing livelihoods for millions across the country.

    Union minister for tourism and culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared these figures in parliament, highlighting how India has bounced back from the travel restrictions that decimated global tourism. International tourist arrivals, including non-resident Indians, reached 206 million in 2024.

    The numbers suggest India is capitalising on pent-up demand for travel as the world emerges from the pandemic’s shadow. With its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and competitive costs, India appears well-positioned to maintain this momentum.

  • Kanika Kapoor to drop global track ‘Matak Matak’ with Timi Boi

    Kanika Kapoor to drop global track ‘Matak Matak’ with Timi Boi

    Mumbai: Kanika Kapoor, known for her powerful vocals and Bollywood hits, is set to release her international collaboration with Afro artist Timi Boi. This project marks a significant milestone in her career, blending Indian vocals with global influences like afrobeats and modern pop.

    The track, ‘Matak Matak,’ is an upbeat, dance-driven fusion of Afro-pop and Indian styles, celebrating cultural diversity. Shot in Lagos, Nigeria, it highlights movement, joy, and cultural unity.

    “Music knows no boundaries, and with Matak Matak, we’ve created a vibrant fusion that brings the best of India and Nigeria together. This cross-cultural collaboration is uniting two musical worlds in an energetic, fresh way. The song is full of life, and I can’t wait for my fans to experience this exciting blend, along with the catchy hook step that brings it all to life,” Kanika expressed.

    This collaboration showcases her originality and commitment to exploring new musical ideas, with more Afro collaborations in the pipeline. As the owner of her record label, Bajao, Kanika continues to break barriers, proving her versatility as an artist, entrepreneur, and mother. Her new single marks another chapter in her journey, blending afrobeats, pop, and Indian sounds for a truly global experience.

  • Nickelodeon’s Sonic brings the international show ‘The Smurfs’ to India

    Nickelodeon’s Sonic brings the international show ‘The Smurfs’ to India

    Mumbai: The popular international show, The Smurf is making a debut on Sonic, part of India’s leading kids’ entertainment franchise Nickelodeon. The show will start on 13 June 2022 from Monday to Sunday at 11:30 am.

    Created by Belgian comic book writer Pierre Culliford, also known as Peyo, in 1958, The Smurfs reside in a community of small, blue, human-like characters who live in mushroom-shaped houses in a forest.

    Pulling out all stops for the launch of ‘The Smurfs’ is a robust multi-screen and multi-touchpoint marketing plan that is sure to engage young audiences. The highly innovative promotional plan will leave no stone unturned in reaching out to kids. A fun-filled robust digital plan will include initiatives such as fun mashups and reels, contests leading up to Global Smurfs day, innovative posts, AR filters & gaming to transport the kids into the ‘Smurf’ world. 

    Ensuring maximum excitement, Global Smurfs Day will be celebrated on 25-26 June through on-ground activations in malls. Visitors will also get a chance to participate in fun games. Taking the overall marketing initiative, a step forward, Sonic has also partnered with select renowned QSR brands. With influencers on board, a new AR filter for The Smurfs will be created to further establish the characters.

    Speaking about bringing The Smurfs to India, Viacom18 kids TV network head of creative, content & research Anu Sikka said, “Sonic since its inception, has successfully grown to become an entertainment hub with engaging stories, endearing characters and a solid kids’ connect. We have consistently catered to our young viewers’ evolving preferences with innovative entertainment and immersive storytelling. Bringing internationally acclaimed ‘Smurfs’ will further bring variety and scale to Sonic’s growing content library. With this launch, we hope to further add depth to our programming strategy and fulfil our mission of entertaining kids.”

    Rising through the ranks, Sonic, since its inception has engaged and entertained kids with stories that bring happiness to their lives. Sonic has always introduced young viewers to storylines and characters that are engaging and relatable. By bringing The Smurfs to Indian television after forty years, Sonic aims to cater to the audience with content that continues to raise the bar. The show will feature popular characters, including Papa Smurf, Smurfette, Brainy, Hefty, Clumsy, and others, embarking on new adventures full of humour, heart, and high-stake action. 

  • ZeeZest.com features Ali Fazal on the digital cover

    ZeeZest.com features Ali Fazal on the digital cover

    Mumbai: India’s favourite multiformat lifestyle portal, ZeeZest.com unveils its June Digital Cover featuring global artiste Ali Fazal, one of the most sought-after Indian actors in international cinema, as its cover star.  As one of India’s most dashing exports to Hollywood, Fazal’s poetic looks and noteworthy acting chops make him the next big crossover star to make India proud.

    As the June Cover Star, shot by ZeeZest.com’s exclusive photographer Atul Kasbekar, the multifaceted actor opens up about his commercial Hollywood projects such as Death On The Nile and Kandahar co-starring Gerard Butler, sharing screen space with international icons such as Dame Judi Dench, Gal Gadot, and Kenneth Branagh.

    He also shares his thoughts on the ‘Guddu Bhaiya’ fever in India, and his relationship with his partner in life and business – Richa Chadha.

    ZeeZest.com’s digital cover shoots, shot exclusively by celebrated photographer and lifestyle influencer Atul Kasbekar, are an endeavour to interact and engage with lifestyle audiences on digital mediums of their choice. Featuring diverse celebrities, the glamourous photoshoots capture snapshots of the many moods, passions, and aspirations of celebrities and the movers and shakers of influence today. As a digital pioneer launched in 2021, ZeeZest.com is a millennial-friendly platform featuring some of the biggest celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Emma Corrin, Farhan Akhtar, Manoj Bajpayee, Prateek Kuhad, Vir Das and bringing their fans up, close, and personal to their icons.

    Speaking about being the digital cover for ZeeZest.com’s Ali Fazal said, “I am excited to be on the June digital cover of ZeeZest.com. Given that the website is all about food, travel, wellness, etc. it is great to reach out to my fans across the world and speak about what I love the most in these aspects. The cover story is full of zest and some interesting trivia about my life. I had a good time being a part of it and I hope that the readers enjoy it too.”

    Zee Zest’s Business Head Amit Nair said, “ZeeZest.com has always believed in creating impactful and engaging content. The response to our digital covers in the past six months has been stupendous, engaging readers at a phenomenal scale. Ali, with his perseverance and gradual rise to eminence, matches our brand philosophy effortlessly with his personality and performance compelling the global audience to notice his calibre. His fervour and influence make him ideal for ZeeZest.com’s June 2022 digital cover.”

  • MIPDrama: 12 international screenings to be showcased

    MUMBAI: MIPTV has announced this year’s official selection for the second edition of MIPDrama Screenings, which offer the international drama community, including 450 top buyers, an exclusive look at some of the most exciting upcoming series on the global marketplace.

    The 2017 MIPDrama Screenings will be held on 2 April (Sunday) in the Grand Auditorium of the Palais des Festivals, Cannes, on the eve of the MIPTV global entertainment content market, which runs 3-6 April.

    Designed to meet the growing international demand for high-end drama series from Europe and other major drama-producing territories, MIPDrama Screenings is a premium showcase curated by the MIP Drama Buyers Advisory Board. The 2017 MIPDrama Screenings now include two categories: ‘Works in Progress’ and ‘Full Episodes.’

    The selected new drama series will be presented at MIPTV in front of an invited audience of leading acquisition executives and media from around the world. This year, the event is also open to producers, distributors, agents and other executives.

    A total of six awards will be presented at the Closing Ceremony. Two awards (one in each category) will be selected by a stellar international Jury of writers, directors and executive producers. The members of the prestigious Grand Jury are: Frank Spotnitz, Executive Producer and Writer, (“The X-Files,” “The Man in the High Castle”), Lars Blomgren, Chairman, Scripted Exchange, Endemol Shine Group, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Filmlance International, and Executive Producer (“The Bridge,” “Beck,” “Spring Tide”), Virginie Brac, Screen Writer (“Cannabis,” “Paris,” “Engrenages”), Ran Tellem , Head of International Content Development for Mediapro and former Head of Content for Keshet, Executive Producer (“Homeland”) and Jalil Lespert, Director and Actor, (“Iris,” “Yves Saint Laurent,” “Versailles”).

    Two awards (one in each category) will be chosen by the TV Critics Jury, whose members are: Maureen Ryan, Chief Television Critic, Variety (USA); Benji Wilson, TV Critic for the Telegraph (UK); and Constance Jamet, Critic for Le Figaro (France). Acquisition executives in attendance can also vote for their favourite projects in each category.

    “The MIPDrama Screenings showcase is back with an impressive line-up of drama series that once again illustrates the diversity and quality of global output in the field. In the lead up to MIPTV, this will give buyers exclusive insight into the best new series being launched at the market,” said Laurine Garaude, Director of the Television Division at Reed MIDEM, which organises MIPTV.

    The 12 series that make up the MIPDrama Screenings Official Selection are:

    WORKS IN PROGRESS:

    Babylon Berlin (Germany)
    16×60’ Crime
    Production: X Filme Creative Pool, ARD Degeto, Sky and Beta Film
    Distribution: Beta Film
    Broadcasters: Sky Atlantic, ARD

    Bad Banks (Germany)
    6×52’ Thriller
    Production: Letterbox Filmproduktion, Iris Productions
    Distribution: Federation Entertainment
    Broadcasters: ARTE France, ZDF Germany

    Bad Blood (Canada)
    6×60’ Drama
    Production: New Metric Media & Sphère Média Plus
    Distribution: Sky Vision
    Broadcaster: FX/City

    Better Than Us (Russian Federation)
    16×52’ Sci-Fi Drama
    Production: Yellow, Black and White; Sputnik Vostok Production
    Distribution: Yellow, Black and White
    Broadcaster: Channel One Russia

    Ride Upon the Storm (Denmark)
    2 seasons with 10 x 60′ episodes each
    Production: DR Drama in co-production with ARTE France and SAM Le Français
    Distribution: STUDIOCANAL
    Broadcaster: DR1/ARTE

    FULL EPISODES:

    Clique (UK)
    6×60’ Drama
    Production: A BBC, GHP and Balloon Entertainment Co-Production
    Distribution: all3media International
    Broadcasters: BBC Scotland/BBC Three

    Fearless (UK)
    6×60’ Crime
    Production: Mammoth Screen
    Distribution: ITV Studios Global Entertainment
    Broadcaster: ITV

    Gap Year (UK)
    8×60’ Drama
    Production: Eleven Film
    Distribution: Entertainment One
    Broadcaster: Channel 4

    Jailers (Brazil)
    12×30’ Prison Drama
    Production: Globo
    Distribution: Globo
    Broadcaster: Globo

    Missions (France)
    10×26’ Sci-Fi
    Production: Empreinte Digitale
    Distribution: AB International Distribution
    Broadcaster: OCS

    The Territory (Russian Federation)
    8×52’ Crime/Mystery
    Production: Sreda Production, Best Episodes Media
    Distribution: Sreda Production
    Broadcaster: Channel One Russia

    Veni Vidi Vici (Sweden)
    10×35’ Thriller
    Production: HandsUp Stockholm
    Distribution: Viaplay Nordic
    Broadcaster: Viaplay Nordic

  • HE comes back on International Men’s Day

    HE comes back on International Men’s Day

    MUMBAI: ‘HE’ , the popular deodorant brand from the house of Emami, has been for the past two years celebrating this day with lots of gusto and fervor. Backed with successful campaigns showcasing various moods and moments of life about which men wish to speak aloud, HE has been driving home the message, loud and clear, about the need to celebrate Men’s Day.

    ‘HE’ deodorant is again back, this year, to celebrate the International Men’s Day. But this time, HE’s celebration of the Men’s Day comes with a new twist !

    A brand new digital campaign titled“#HEBROCODE” has gone live focusing on the unique bond which every man shares with his group of male friends! This distinctive bond of brotherhood is quite exclusive in nature and runs on its unique rules. This is a bond which tugs at the deepest chord of every man’s heart.

    The campaign can be seen here:

    #HEBROCODE has been an instant hit. Number of people joining the #HEBroCodebrigade is rising with every passing minute. Popular celebrities such as Rannvijay, Varun Sood, Karan Kundra, Prince Narula have already joined in with their bro code videos!

  • HE comes back on International Men’s Day

    HE comes back on International Men’s Day

    MUMBAI: ‘HE’ , the popular deodorant brand from the house of Emami, has been for the past two years celebrating this day with lots of gusto and fervor. Backed with successful campaigns showcasing various moods and moments of life about which men wish to speak aloud, HE has been driving home the message, loud and clear, about the need to celebrate Men’s Day.

    ‘HE’ deodorant is again back, this year, to celebrate the International Men’s Day. But this time, HE’s celebration of the Men’s Day comes with a new twist !

    A brand new digital campaign titled“#HEBROCODE” has gone live focusing on the unique bond which every man shares with his group of male friends! This distinctive bond of brotherhood is quite exclusive in nature and runs on its unique rules. This is a bond which tugs at the deepest chord of every man’s heart.

    The campaign can be seen here:

    #HEBROCODE has been an instant hit. Number of people joining the #HEBroCodebrigade is rising with every passing minute. Popular celebrities such as Rannvijay, Varun Sood, Karan Kundra, Prince Narula have already joined in with their bro code videos!

  • International Radio Festival moves to EXPO City Milan, Italy

    International Radio Festival moves to EXPO City Milan, Italy

    MUMBAI:The IRF will join up with Radio City Milan and together present Europe’s largest public on-air radio festival at the fabulous Piazza Gae Aulenti midst Milan’s city centre, 7-10 April 2016.

    Taking place in and around the UniCredit pavilion, the IRF Milan Radio City festival will welcome over 20 international and 50 Italian radio stations who will broadcast their radio shows live-on-air to millions of their listeners back in their home cities.

    “We are proud to host the most important international festival dedicated to radio here in Milan. Once again our city proves to be a great European capital, back in the spotlight with an event that will bring thousands of people to Milan, and carry Milan to millions of listeners on-air around the world”, said Milan’s Mayor Giuliano Pisapia.

    “I am inspired to be working with such a future thinking and experienced team who have embraced the unique aspect of the IRF, and look forward to broadcasting the city of Milan to the world, as much as I am excited in welcoming some of the finest radio makers to the IRF conference at the beautiful UniCredit Pavilion”, says IRF festival director Darryl von Däniken.

    Likewise, the initiator of the successful Radio City Milan festival, Filippo Solibello, says “After our participation at the IRF this year, we just knew we had to bring this festival to the city of Milan and join forces with our own radio festival and develop the full potential of bringing radio close to the public whilst also having the unique opportunity of carrying on telling people around the world about our great EXPO city”.

    In addition to the new annual Milan edition, the IRF is midst in planning an Americas edition in Music City Nashville, a Middle East Edition in Dubai, and a South East Asia edition in Shanghai. “Developments are well under way to produce IRF editions in these world class cities and we are looking forward to releasing more news and dates during 2016.” says festival director von Däniken.

  • International Radio Festival moves to EXPO City Milan, Italy

    International Radio Festival moves to EXPO City Milan, Italy

    MUMBAI:The IRF will join up with Radio City Milan and together present Europe’s largest public on-air radio festival at the fabulous Piazza Gae Aulenti midst Milan’s city centre, 7-10 April 2016.

    Taking place in and around the UniCredit pavilion, the IRF Milan Radio City festival will welcome over 20 international and 50 Italian radio stations who will broadcast their radio shows live-on-air to millions of their listeners back in their home cities.

    “We are proud to host the most important international festival dedicated to radio here in Milan. Once again our city proves to be a great European capital, back in the spotlight with an event that will bring thousands of people to Milan, and carry Milan to millions of listeners on-air around the world”, said Milan’s Mayor Giuliano Pisapia.

    “I am inspired to be working with such a future thinking and experienced team who have embraced the unique aspect of the IRF, and look forward to broadcasting the city of Milan to the world, as much as I am excited in welcoming some of the finest radio makers to the IRF conference at the beautiful UniCredit Pavilion”, says IRF festival director Darryl von Däniken.

    Likewise, the initiator of the successful Radio City Milan festival, Filippo Solibello, says “After our participation at the IRF this year, we just knew we had to bring this festival to the city of Milan and join forces with our own radio festival and develop the full potential of bringing radio close to the public whilst also having the unique opportunity of carrying on telling people around the world about our great EXPO city”.

    In addition to the new annual Milan edition, the IRF is midst in planning an Americas edition in Music City Nashville, a Middle East Edition in Dubai, and a South East Asia edition in Shanghai. “Developments are well under way to produce IRF editions in these world class cities and we are looking forward to releasing more news and dates during 2016.” says festival director von Däniken.

  • Fremantlemedia & Syco partner SKAI TV for ‘The X Factor’

    Fremantlemedia & Syco partner SKAI TV for ‘The X Factor’

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia International (FMI), Syco Entertainment and SKAI TV have joined hands to bring a new local version of the global hit entertainment format The X Factor. The local version of the format will mark the start of the channel’s brand new entertainment strand and is due to launch in spring 2016.

     

    The deal brings the total number of global commissions for this British born format to an incredible 51 territories worldwide.

     

    Talking about the new strategy, Fremantlemedia International SVP Middle East, Africa & South Eastern Europe Anahita Kheder said, “We are looking forward to collaborating with SKAI on their new push into entertainment, and even more thrilled that they chose The X Factor as one of the pivotal brands to launch this new direction of programming. The X Factor continues to inspire and entertain viewers the world over. It has proved to be a great launch pad for some of the biggest global sensations and with this new version in Greece; we are excited about adding another superstar to that list.”

     

    SKAI program director Alkistis Maragoudaki added, “SKAI is overjoyed to welcoming the ultimate global music talent show: The X Factor. Created by the leaders of entertainment, SYCO and FremantleMedia,The X Factor is one of the most favoured music television events around the globe and has paved the road for the future talents today thus rendering the show a trendsetter that promises and delivers. Our aim is to embrace this project with our high quality standards, and thus to consolidate our strategy towards the realm of entertainment.”

     

    Syco Entertainment head of international George Levendis said, “I am thrilled to see The X Factor back on Greek & Cypriot television in its new home on Skai TV. There are some exciting format developments that will ensure The X Factor is fresh and innovative to the Greek audience. The X Factor in Greece has always delivered talented, vibrant and wonderfully fun contestants. This new season on Skai TV will be no different. And, personally speaking, The X Factor has been a big part of my life for the last eight years – so seeing it back in my country is fantastic.”