Insights from SITA’s 2025 Passenger IT and Baggage report show a clear shift in traveller priorities, says Sumesh Patel, President (APAC), SITA. “Passengers are increasingly willing to pay for faster airport processing, end-to-end baggage tracking, and digital identity-enabled journeys. In parallel, airlines and airports are increasing their investments in digital infrastructure. Airlines are expected to invest about US 8.9 billion, while airports plan to invest US 37 billion globally to advance biometrics, cloud-based systems, automation, and real-time operations.”

The Philippine Department of Tourism has signed an agreement with CG Hospitality Global and The Farm at San Benito – Autograph Collection by Marriott to drive inbound tourism from India. The partnership positions India — one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets with over 50 million projected annual travellers — as a priority for Philippine tourism development. Christina Garcia Frasco, Secretary, Philippine Tourism, said the partnership underscores the Philippines’ focus on India as a priority source market, enabling joint promotions and long-term, sustainable tourism growth.

Traditional travel agents continue to dominate Thailand bookings from India with around 60% market share, particularly in weddings, luxury travel, and MICE, according to Nattachit Oonsiam, Director, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mumbai Office. “OTAs hold 40% share and are strong in last-minute bookings, flight-plus-hotel packages, and attracting younger travellers,” he said.

Dubai Safari Park will conduct an exclusive webinar for the Indian travel trade on 18 December 2025 at 3 pm (IST). The session will highlight the park’s latest wildlife experiences, interactive zones, and new offerings for families and groups, helping agents better promote the attraction. For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Fly24hrs Holiday has won the ‘India’s Leading OTA of the Year’ award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Tarun Saini, General Manager, Fly24hrs Holiday, said, “This award sets a new benchmark for us in travel innovation. It recognises our customer-first approach, technological advancements, and outstanding performance. We are proud to receive this prestigious recognition.”

Ajeet Bajaj, President, ATOAI, said, “The 17th Annual Convention in Srinagar will offer firsthand insight into why Jammu & Kashmir is emerging as a safe and sustainable adventure destination.” With field visits and safety-focused sessions, the event highlights J&K’s soft adventure potential and its net-zero model. Bajaj confirmed 200 registrations so far, with numbers expected to rise toward 300, reflecting strong industry interest.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Tourism Minister, called on the industry to drive the next phase of India’s tourism growth, stating, “India needs bold private investment to reimagine hospitality models, develop innovative experiential tourism products, establish globally benchmarked service excellence, and build strong community linkages. The government has created an enabling environment; now it is the industry’s moment to lead, shape, and elevate India’s tourism brand globally.”

Experience Abu Dhabi is organising an exclusive webinar spotlighting the upcoming Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum. Scheduled for 17 December 2025 at 3 pm IST, the session will offer insights into the museums’ vision, exhibits, and visitor experiences. Trade partners can register now to learn more about these landmark cultural attractions. For more info, write to DDevaraj@dctabudhabi.ae or 9535805401.

Speaking at the Viksit Delhi – Viksit Tourism & Hospitality summit, by FHRAI & HRANI, Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister, Delhi, has called on the hospitality and restaurant industry to partner with the government in reshaping the capital’s global image. Emphasising Delhi’s potential as a premier tourism destination, she said the goal is to ensure that any traveller visiting India considers their journey incomplete without experiencing the city. Gupta highlighted the need to develop Delhi as a vibrant tourism hub and stressed that the capital must emerge as the world’s culinary capital. She urged industry stakeholders to collaborate closely with the government to strengthen Delhi’s positioning on the global tourism map and enhance its appeal to international visitors.

Global Panorama Showcase (GPS) won the Event Platform of the Year – Innovation in Travel Engagement award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Harmandeep Singh Anand, Managing Director, GPS, said the honour reflects the team’s dedication and strong industry support. “GPS, which began post-Covid, will continue innovating to educate and empower the travel fraternity,” he added.