Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, claims, “We are the largest hotel chain in India. Given our recent signings and the brand’s strong growth trajectory, India is set to become Marriott’s third-largest market globally within the next 2-3 years. By the end of next year, we expect to have nearly 250 operational hotels in the country. We are also on track to more than double our presence from 40 to 90 locations across India. Our focus remains on getting the right distribution and being in the right places.”

General Travel New Zealand has successfully concluded its 5-city India roadshow from 30th June to 4th July 2025, covering Jaipur, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bangalore. The roadshow received an enthusiastic response from the Indian travel trade community and served as a key platform for promoting New Zealand as a premier long-haul destination for Indian travelers. This year’s edition marked a significant milestone, featuring the largest Kiwi delegation to date, with 16 leading tourism companies from New Zealand participating. The delegation showcased a wide array of travel experiences — from seat-in-coach adventures and cultural immersions to luxury stays and soft adventure — all tied together with General Travel’s Kiwiway Vacations FIT packages. The group has been promoting tailored programs to suit the preferences of the Indian outbound market. Participating companies included prominent tourism and hospitality brands such as Skyline Enterprises, Southern Discoveries, Entrada Group, Hobbiton Movie Set Tours, RealNZ, Transport World Invercargill, Polynesian Spa, Te Puia, Totally Tourism (Helicopter Line), BLACK, The Helicopter Line, Sudima Hotels, Millennium Hotels, Distinction Hotels, Scenic Hotel Group, RotoruaNZ, West Coast Tourism, and Air New Zealand. Together, they presented a comprehensive and inspiring view of New Zealand’s offerings, catering to various segments including FITs, families, honeymooners, and luxury travelers. Speaking about the roadshow’s success, Anna Black, Executive Director of General Travel New Zealand, said: “India continues to be a key and growing market for New Zealand. The enthusiasm and genuine interest shown by Indian travel agents across all five cities has been truly encouraging. This roadshow was a fantastic opportunity for our partners to build meaningful connections and better understand the preferences of the Indian traveler. We’re excited about the future potential and look forward to …

IndiGo commenced direct flights between Mumbai and Adampur (Jalandhar). This new route is part of IndiGo’s strategy to enhance connectivity between key regional hubs and tier-2 cities. Punjab plays a vital role in India’s economic and cultural landscape, and connecting it with India’s financial capital, Mumbai, unlocks the potential of the state’s growing industrial and agricultural sectors with greater access to commercial ports. It will also benefit tourism by encouraging greater exposure to the rich cultural heritage of Punjab. With Adampur as its 92nd domestic destination, IndiGo continues to expand the network, delivering on its promise of on-time travel experience that is affordable, courteous & hassle-free. Adampur (Jalandhar) is a town located in the Jalandhar district of Punjab. Known for its strategic location on the Jalandhar-Hoshiarpur road, it houses the Adampur Air Force Station, one of the oldest airbases in the country. Adampur also has a rich cultural heritage, with a mix of traditional Punjabi lifestyle and growing urban influence. Adampur offers access to several nearby attractions. Rangla Punjab Haveli showcases traditional Punjabi culture, while Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar is a popular spiritual site. Pushpa Gujral Science City provides fun, educational experiences, and Wonderland Theme Park is perfect for family outings. These spots make Adampur a great base to explore Punjab’s culture and entertainment.

Speaking to stakeholders recently, Mohamed Farouk, Regional Director (Western Region), India Tourism Mumbai, says “As India charts its course on the global tourism map, I urge the industry to focus on inclusive growth, accessible tourism, technological innovation and sustainability. These are not just aspirations but imperatives for future-ready hospitality. The Tourism Ministry is committed to partnering with the industry through initiatives like NIDHI Plus, Hunar Se Rozgar Tak and Sustainable Tourism Criteria for India.”

Stating that overcrowding is straining destinations, WTTC addresses overcrowding in its latest report titled Managing Destination Overcrowding and urges public and private stakeholders to adopt a proactive, evidence-based approach to sustainable tourism management. The paper outlines six key actions for this that includes reinvesting in destination health and implementing robust monitoring and early warning systems.

Collinson International released its new Asia Pacific (APAC) research titled “2025 Asia Pacific Consumer Happiness Report: How to Generate Lifetime Customer Value in a Transformation Economy”. Surveying over 4,000 respondents across eight markets in Asia Pacific and conducted in partnership with renowned behavioural psychologist Dr. William von Hippel, the report explores the role of brands in driving consumer happiness in today’s transformation economy where the pursuit of happiness is becoming a defining priority. Findings reveal that brands have an opportunity to become powerful drivers of happiness, with customers increasingly turning to loyalty rewards and benefits to access unique, transformative experiences. “Consumers’ expectations for how they find satisfaction from brands have evolved. In today’s transformation economy, consumers are drawn to experiences that enrich their lives far beyond basic consumption – experiences that nurture connection, inspire personal growth and help bridge the gap between the world they live in and their aspirations,” said Rohan Bhalla, Vice President of Business Solutions for Asia Pacific at Collinson International. “This transcends rational rewards or simple engagement, delivering true meaningful moments – whether it is travelling to see their favourite band perform live or attending a global sports tournament.” This shift is well under way in India, where 92% of consumers rely on brand rewards for unique and exclusive experiences, compared to 81% across APAC. Younger millennials (98%) and Gen Z (93%) respondents in India resonate strongly, and both demonstrate a clear preference for experiential activities in recent years. Compared to 66% of APAC respondents, 80% of respondents in India reported being satisfied with the rewards and benefits they receive from brands. Amongst the respondents in India, Millennials (84%) indicated the highest levels of happiness, followed …

Building on the successful rollout of its Premium Economy product in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, Emirates has now announced the introduction of its Premium Economy class on flights to and from Kolkata, effective 18 July 2025. The move marks the continued expansion of Emirates’ award-winning offering across key Indian cities, with the aim of providing customers more choice when making travel plans. Passengers traveling on the Dubai-Kolkata route can now book Premium Economy seats on flight EK573, which will operate four times weekly (Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays), departing Kolkata at 20:45 hrs and arriving in Dubai at 00:05 hrs. Flights to Kolkata, on EK572, depart Dubai at 13:05 hrs and arrive in Kolkata at 19:15 hrs. All times are local. Tickets can be booked for travel starting from 18 July. Mohammad Sarhan, Emirates’ VP – India and Nepal said: “We are delighted to introduce our highly-acclaimed Premium Economy experience to Kolkata, marking another significant milestone in our commitment to the Indian market. The response to our Premium Economy product in Mumbai, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are confident that travellers in Kolkata will appreciate the blend of comfort, value, and thoughtful touches that make Emirates’ Premium Economy stand out. We remain dedicated to elevating the travel experience for our customers and offering them more choice and flexibility.” The Premium Economy cabin is thoughtfully-designed to offer an enhanced experience, combining comfort and aesthetically-pleasing features, including wider cream leather seats, increased legroom, adjustable headrests, deeper seat recline and raised cushioned leg rests.  For those seeking additional comfort and privacy during their journeys, the understated luxury cabins offer a refined upgrade from Economy Class.

A bold new ocean experience is surfacing on 23 July! Find out what your next student group can explore at the new Singapore Oceanarium at this webinar on 11 July at 3pm hosted by Resorts World Sentosa. It is slated to open in Q3 2025 and will have immersive exhibits, digital storytelling, and a focus on marine research, redefining how we experience the ocean. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call ‪+91 96501 96532.

Le Méridien Hotels & Resort, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands, announced the opening of Le Meridien Ahmedabad. The hotel opens doors following the transformation of Courtyard by Marriott Ahmedabad. Set in the heart of India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, where centuries-old façades and bustling bazaars coexist with riverfront promenades and modern architecture, the hotel invites guests to experience Ahmedabad anew—through moments that are quietly luxurious and instinctively refined. This is a destination for those who seek not only to stay, but to soak in every moment of their travels. “We are excited to introduce the Le Méridien brand to Ahmedabad, bringing the brand’s essence of savouring the good life to global tastemakers and locals” said Ranju Alex, Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “Ahmedabad is a destination known for its rich history and thriving art, culture, and culinary scene, which makes it the perfect fit for Le Méridien. This hotel is a celebration of detail and design – inviting travellers to explore Ahmedabad with curiosity, in style.” The property features 164 guest rooms and suites, each designed with a calm palette, mid-century silhouettes, and bespoke accents that nod to Ahmedabad’s textile legacy and architectural landmarks. Poised as the visual anchor, the bespoke lobby art is an ode to the rich heritage of Ahmedabad representing a confluence of movement, culture, and life – inviting guests to explore Ahmedabad’s layered legacy at a single glance. Celebrating the city’s identity as the once textile capital of India, the design elements of Le Méridien Ahmedabad pay homage to the local craft and its deep ties to the Sabarmati River. In a poetic gesture, slender panes of transparent …

The event served as a vibrant platform for industry leaders, hotel owners, restaurateurs and professionals from across the western region to collaborate, share insights and recognize excellence in hospitality leadership. The event commenced with an inaugural session graced by Chief Guest – Shri Mohamed Farouk, Regional Director (Western Region), India Tourism Mumbai, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The conclave also featured thought provoking sessions led by prominent voices in policy, sustainability, food safety and operations. “The 5th edition of the Empowering Hospitality Conclave and Awards is not just a celebration of achievement; it is a reaffirmation of our industry’s resilience and commitment to progress. The hospitality sector has demonstrated remarkable grit during the pandemic and is now embracing a new era of growth powered by innovation, collaboration and forward-looking policies. This platform is a testament to the incredible talent, dedication and dynamism that define our fraternity. Today, we not only honour excellence but also strengthen the dialogue that will shape the future of Indian hospitality,” says Mr Chetan Mehta, Vice President, HRAWI. Opening the conclave on a congratulatory note, Shri Mohamed Farouk underscored the sector’s role in nation building. “It is a privilege to be part of the 5th edition of HRAWI’s ‘Empowering Hospitality’ Conclave, a platform that brings together some of the most visionary minds in the western region’s hospitality sector. The hospitality industry is not just a key driver of tourism; it is the first impression of India for many visitors. This industry’s services reflect the warmth, culture and professionalism of our nation. As India charts its course on the global tourism map, I urge the industry to focus on inclusive growth, accessible tourism, technological innovation and …