As per OAG, the Asia-Pacific region is on track to solidify its position in the global aviation market. Its aviation market in 2025 has surpassed 2019’s total capacity by 0.5 per cent in 2024. As APAC’s domestic market outperforms 2019 up 4.7 per cent in 2019; India’s domestic capacity reached 13 per cent ahead of pre-pandemic levels.

Presenting the state budget for 2025-26, Charan Majhi, Chief Minister, Odisha allocated ₹820 crore for tourism, up from ₹800 crore allocated in FY2024-25. The budget focuses on infra development and sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, ₹30 crore has been allocated for Shree Jagannath Darshan Yojana.

UAE expanded visa-on-arrival programme for Indians by including travellers with valid visas, residence permits, or Green Cards from 6 more countries including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand & Canada. The move permits more Indian passport holders to access the facility at UAE entry points.

The Engineering team of SriLankan Airlines wrapped up base heavy maintenance on an A321neo aircraft for long-term repeat customer, Salam Air, ahead of the scheduled completion date. The work involved replacing a right-hand main landing gear seal on the aircraft. SriLankan Engineering has been forging a path as a reliable provider of base maintenance services in the region for third parties, with a steady stream of both repeat and new customers.

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), in collaboration with OTOAI, hosted the Korea Tourism Roadshow in Mumbai on 14 February, 2025, reinforcing its commitment to the Indian travel trade and presenting programmes aimed at further boosting Indian tourist arrivals to South Korea. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director, India & SAARC Countries, KTO, said, “South Korea’s growing popularity among Indian travellers is a testament to the strong partnership we share with the Indian travel trade. With evolving traveller preferences and increasing demand for unique experiences, we are committed to providing our partners with tailored support, from exclusive training programmes to performance-based incentives.” Talking about the Roadshow in Mumbai, Himanshu Patil, President, OTOAI, said, “This partnership between OTOAI and KTO has the potential to significantly boost outbound tourism from India to Korea, unlocking opportunities for both travel operators and tourists. With the rising popularity of Korean entertainment in India and the increasing awareness of the country’s rich cultural heritage and unique culinary experiences, Indian tourists are showing greater interest in visiting Korea. Additionally, the growing popularity of Korean beauty products in the Indian market has led to an increase in enquiries for tours that include beauty experiences, further highlighting the diverse interests of Indian travellers. This roadshow was a great opportunity for our members to gain in-depth knowledge of Korea and enhancing their ability to create seamless travel experiences for their clients.” In addition to the MICE Support and Korea Premium Travel Consultant (KPTC) Programme, KTO has unveiled the Designated Travel Agency Programme, a strategic initiative under the K-Incentive Scheme 3.0, designed to recognise and support travel agencies actively promoting South Korea. Under this programme, participating agencies will develop Korea-specific travel packages incorporating at …

This reflects Saudia’s ongoing efforts to enhance global connectivity and meet growing international travel demand. Saudia, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has announced a significant expansion of its global flight network, adding more than ten new destinations for 2025. This strategic growth, fuelled by a 16 per cent increase in international guest numbers last year, reflects the airline’s commitment to connecting the world and meeting increasing global travel demand. The new destinations offer a diverse range of options, spanning Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. The additions to Saudia’s network include Vienna (Austria), Venice (Italy), Larnaca (Cyprus), Athens and Heraklion (Greece), Nice (France), Malaga (Spain), Bali (Indonesia), Antalya (Turkey), El Alamein (Egypt), and Salalah (Oman). These destinations join Saudia’s existing network of over 100 destinations across four continents. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group, said, “Following last year’s operational success, we have implemented a strategic plan for 2025 to ensure continued excellence and meet rising international travel demand. Our destination selection is based on comprehensive feasibility studies and guest preferences. We are committed to providing our international guests with exceptional travel experiences that combine comfort, efficiency, and authentic Saudi hospitality.” This expansion is facilitated by Saudia’s modern fleet of 147 Boeing and Airbus aircraft, known for their safety and efficiency. The airline’s commitment to high standards of onboard service, including comfortable seating, advanced in-flight entertainment systems, and authentic Saudi hospitality, complements the diverse destinations offered. Saudia’s planned delivery of 118 new aircraft during the upcoming years will further enhance its operational capacity. With daily operations exceeding 530 flights, Saudia’s ongoing international development plan aims to increase its global market share and strengthen connectivity between the …

WelcomHeritage announced the appointment of Ashutosh Chhibba as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With over 30 years of exemplary experience in the hospitality industry, Chhibba is poised to lead WelcomHeritage into an exciting new era of growth, innovation, and operational excellence. An alumnus of the Institute of Hotel Management, Kolkata, and a graduate of the Welcomgroup Management Institute, Chhibba began his distinguished career with ITC Hotels in 1992. Over the decades, he has held key leadership roles, driving success at iconic properties such as the erstwhile Welcomgroup Chola Sheraton, ITC Kakatiya, ITC Maurya, and ITC Mughal. His international experience includes overseeing the launch and operations of the legendary restaurant Dumpukht in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia, where he demonstrated his ability to adapt and deliver excellence in diverse global markets. Chhibba’s career has encompassed both leisure and business hospitality segments, with a strong focus on managing owned properties across multiple locations, including Riyadh, Aurangabad, and Hyderabad. In addition to his vast operational expertise, Chhibba is deeply committed to continuous learning, having completed the Revenue Management Programme at Cornell University, USA, and the Sales & Marketing Exposure Programme at IIM Bangalore. These advanced programmes have equipped him with cutting-edge skills in revenue optimisation, sales strategies, and marketing innovations, ensuring a strategic approach to delivering exceptional guest experiences. Commenting on his appointment, Ashutosh Chhibba said, “I am honoured to lead WelcomHeritage, a brand synonymous with India’s cultural richness and heritage. I look forward to leveraging my experience to further enhance our offerings, strengthen our brand presence, and deliver unparalleled guest satisfaction while preserving the legacy of WelcomHeritage.”

Guests can book new sail dates from April through September 2026 Disney Cruise Line unveiled a series of new and incredible experiences coming to the Disney Adventure, including several firsts for the fleet, giving guests even more reasons to book and enjoy a magical vacation at sea. More beloved Disney stories and characters will come to life on the Disney Adventure through Marvel Style Studio that makes its Disney Cruise Line debut, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, and Royal Society for Friendship and Tea. In another first for the fleet, Duffy and Friends will appear onboard through a series of delightful retail and entertainment experiences, including the brand-new show “Duffy and The Friend Ship.” T The Disney Adventure will set sail on its maiden voyage on 15 December, 2025 from Singapore. Guests can book new sail dates between April and September 2026 directly from the Disney Cruise Line website, through the Disney Cruise Line contact centre, or with their preferred travel agents. A world of possibilities for everyone onboard A first for Disney Cruise Line, guests aboard the Disney Adventure will celebrate fan-favourite Super Heroes with Marvel-inspired hair, makeup and clothing options at Marvel Style Studio. Children and adults alike will revel in the opportunity to be styled like icons from the Marvel Universe — including Iron Man, Spider-Man, Ghost-Spider, Captain America, Captain Marvel and Thor — through a range of styling packages. At select times throughout the cruise, the sleek salon will transform into an adults-only lounge with bookable beverage tasting experiences. At Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, Fairy Godmother’s Apprentices will provide an enchanted salon experience catered to younger guests aged 3 to 12. With options ranging from elegant royalty to adventurous …

Every edition of the Kumbh Mela draws millions of pilgrims, spiritual seekers, and tourists from across the world, creating an unparalleled surge in travel, hospitality, and local commerce. Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, ASEGO said, “From airlines and railways witnessing record bookings to hotels, dharamshalas, and homestays operating at full capacity, the economic impact is undeniable. The event also drives infrastructural development, with improved roads, sanitation, and digital connectivity, benefiting local communities long after the Mela concludes.” For travel agents, Kumbh Mela not only presents a significant business opportunity but also a responsibility—to ensure travellers, especially senior citizens and domestic pilgrims, are well-protected. The sheer scale of the event increases the chances of medical emergencies and travel disruptions. Karvat shared, “ASEGO partners can offer their customers seamless travel protection with ASEGO’s Anywhere-to-Anywhere product covering NRIs, foreign nationals and inbound travellers while Indian citizens can enjoy a holistic domestic travel cover. Travellers who often undertake this journey as a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage, need specialised coverage with 24/7 assistance, ensuring help is available when they need it the most. As lakhs of devotees gather in one place, travel protection is not just an add-on—it is a necessity.”

A groundbreaking national initiative by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Sri Lankan Airlines Sri Lanka has marked a significant milestone in its journey to becoming a premier destination for international conferences with the launch of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP). This first-of-its-kind initiative, presented by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau (SLCB) and Sri Lankan Airlines, bringing together trusted entities to promote Sri Lanka as a global hub for business events. The programme, launched earlier this month, was attended by the Chief Guest, Honorary Vijitha Herath, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and the Guest of Honour, Senthil Gopinath, CEO, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA). The Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Programme is designed to empower and engage local association leaders and professionals to act as ambassadors, advocating for Sri Lanka on the global stage. With 25 ambassadors already onboarded, SLCAP will identify and support influential leaders in their fields to attract international conferences to Sri Lanka. The programme aims to transform the country’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) landscape, driving economic growth, promoting sustainability and knowledge exchange. Speaking on launching SLCAP, Mikael Svensson, Chief Executive Officer, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, commented “As a destination expert committed to providing holistic and expertly curated travel experiences, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts is proud to present this transformative initiative together with the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau and Sri Lankan Airlines. Our deep-rooted local knowledge and personalised approach allow us to showcase Sri Lanka’s unique offerings to the world, elevating it as a premier destination for international conferences. With Cinnamon Life at City of Dreams Sri Lanka adding capacity to host up …