After launching three ATR 72-600s, FLY91 will soon add a fourth aircraft. Manoj Chacko, CEO & MD, FLY91, said, “We are steadily growing capacity while maintaining our regional focus. Each induction is planned with measured growth in mind.” The company currently operates 14 daily flights under the RCS-UDAN scheme.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, Government of India, said, “Tourism is the most vibrant industry and has a great future ahead.” Highlighting sustainability as a key challenge, Shekhawat added, “We have started assessing hotels and tourist destinations on the five-leaf rating, motivating the sector to adopt more sustainable practices nationwide.”

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has announced a significant reduction in rental tariffs for its stadia, cutting rates by 20% to 50% for both sporting and non-sporting events. Following extensive meetings and presentations by stakeholders from the events and live entertainment industry on 2nd September 2025, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Delhi Tourism Minister Shri Kapil Mishra, and Sports Secretary Shri Hari Ranjan Rao have committed to providing robust support to the events industry. In continuation of this initiative, the Chairman of the SAI Governing Body has announced a new schedule of rates and usage norms, effective immediately. This move is part of the government’s efforts to transform Delhi into a global hub for live events, enhancing the city’s infrastructure and support for the events industry. This new framework supersedes all previous circulars and notifications, aiming to streamline the booking process and ensure fair and transparent access to SAI facilities nationwide. The revisions reflect current usage patterns, demand, and operational costs. Notably, there has been a significant decline in the demand for passes across various categories, dropping from 5% to just 1%. The Sports Authority of India (SAI) believes these adjustments will enhance facility accessibility, ensure efficient utilization, and provide fair pricing for all event organizers. “By simplifying processes and reducing costs, we aim to create a vibrant cultural scene that benefits both artists and audiences. This initiative will not only boost tourism but also create numerous employment opportunities. We invite organisers to bring more events and live concerts to the city, supporting the ‘Concert Economy’ vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister,” stated Shri Kapil Mishra, Delhi Tourism Minister. He also added that a …

Group Concorde was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to International Passenger Distribution Award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Pooja Ahluwalia, General Manager – Corporate Passenger Sales, India, said, “This recognition reflects the strength of our partnerships with Malaysia Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines, and China Southern Airlines, and the dedication of our team.”

Delivering the keynote address at the TAAI Convention in Abu Dhabi, Alexis Guest, Vice President – Global Operations, Travelport shared that that AI adoption is highest in Asia with 77% in China and India. “Agencies need to start investing in emerging technologies, else they will fall behind,” she added.

The 68th TAAI Convention in Abu Dhabi wrapped up with a huge attendance of over 500 delegates. The discussions at the convention touched upon various topics, including the need to adopt AI and tech in agency business. Also, the delegates discussed issues with airline and IATA delegates during knowledge sessions.

Speaking at the 55th FHRAI Annual Convention V Vidyavathi, Secretary Tourism, Government of India, called for a stronger public-private partnership as government gears up for its Tourism Business Plan. “To attract global tourists with the right kind of experiences, we need to focus on country-specific strategy. There cannot be one-size-fits-all strategy for tourist coming to India from different parts of the world with different expectations. We also need to see how we can create attractive packages for lesser-known destinations.”

Anil Parashar, Executive Director, ITQ Technologies, was honoured with the DDP Game Changer Award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Calling it a responsibility more than an award, he emphasised collective action. “We must contribute to building the tourism sector that needs support, and unite to make India a top destination.”

Suman Billa, Additional Secretary and DG, Ministry of Tourism, flagged a decade-long decline in leisure arrivals from key markets, such as the UK, US, and Canada. While Europe and the Americas show worrying trends, growth is emerging from the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. He stressed rebuilding traditional markets alongside newer opportunities.

The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), the world’s most trusted benchmark for sustainable tourism, has finally arrived in India, offering hotels a locally accessible and cost-effective pathway to global recognition. This landmark move, enabled by a strategic partnership between United Certification Systems Limited (UCSL), a pioneering GSTC-accredited body, and QualStar, India’s leading hotel certification expert, eliminates the need for expensive international audits, making it easier for Indian hotels to align with global sustainability standards. A New Era for Indian Hospitality: The Need for GSTC Certification The Indian hospitality industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, but with this expansion comes increased scrutiny from global travelers, corporations, and governments who are demanding verifiable sustainability. Until now, obtaining GSTC certification required inviting auditors from overseas, a process fraught with high costs and logistical challenges. This made certification an expensive proposition, limiting adoption to just a handful of properties. The new UCSL–QualStar partnership addresses this critical barrier. By combining UCSL’s international accreditation with QualStar’s deep local expertise and established network of trained auditors, hotels can now achieve the same rigorous, globally-recognized certification at a fraction of the cost. This local accessibility is crucial for an industry facing a shortage of over 300,000 hotel rooms and rapidly expanding its footprint. The Gold Standard of Sustainable Tourism GSTC was established through a United Nations-led initiative to create a unified, global standard for sustainable tourism. This means a hotel certified in India is held to the exact same rigorous parameters as one in Singapore, Turkey, or the United States. This consistency provides unparalleled credibility with global travelers, tour operators, and corporate clients who are increasingly prioritizing ethical and sustainable choices. The certification covers four key pillars of sustainable …