Andhra Pradesh is accelerating tourism growth through strong public-private partnerships, said Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography. The state has granted industry status to tourism and is finalising a new policy focused on inclusive development. The upcoming policy aims to create a favourable environment for investors, boost employment opportunities, and ensure active community participation in tourism initiatives.

Air India Express expands its network, adding Nagpur to its route map with twice-daily flights to Bengaluru, starting 1 December, alongside the introduction of new international services to Abu Dhabi from Delhi and Pune, from 2 December.

India’s upscale hotel market is set for steady expansion, with room supply expected to grow 5–6% annually until FY2028, according to ICRA. However, demand is projected to rise faster at 8–10%, driving occupancy to 72–74% and average room rates to ₹8,200–8,500 by FY2026. The sustained demand-supply gap is expected to boost pricing and profitability.

Travel Mudra was honoured with the ‘Fastest Growing Visa Services in India’ award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Thanking DDP Group for the recognition, Neeraj Kumar Ailawadi, Director, Travel Mudra, said, “Winning the awards is a proud milestone for us. This recognition reflects our hard work, dedication, and the trust of our clients and partners.”

Indiver Rastogi, President & Group Head – Global Business Travel, Thomas Cook India, highlighted that technology is now reshaping travel planning and personalisation, with corporates seeking smarter, more flexible solutions. “Being just a ticketing agent is no longer enough — travellers expect customised, seamless experiences,” he said.

Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, announced that the airline will soon launch operations from India to Sharjah. “We are currently evaluating two or three markets for Sharjah,” he said, adding that destinations such as Tashkent, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam are also being explored keeping in view the growth opportunities.

Shaikha Al Nowais will be the first woman to lead the United Nations Specialised Agency for tourism in its 50-year history. She will assume office in early 2026. In her address, the Secretary-General-elect emphasised, “Responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance — each designed to make our sector more inclusive, resilient, and human.”

India’s hospitality sector is poised for a record year-end, driven by 4.5 million weddings, strong business travel, and robust MICE demand expected in November and December. Hotel rates and occupancy are projected to surpass 2024’s highs. Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-founder, EaseMyTrip, said bookings are nearly 14% higher than last year, with strong advance demand for group and long-stay itineraries.

Paytm has introduced Paytm Checkin, a new interactive travel platform offering zero convenience fees and transparent pricing. Users can enjoy free flight cancellation at ₹99, and a special Travel Pass priced at ₹249 for exclusive savings. With features like Paytm Assured for buses and Ticket Assure for trains, it ensures timely refunds and confirmed seat assistance, providing seamless, stress-free travel experience.

India recorded its highest foreign tourist arrival (FTA) growth from Somalia, with a 144% surge between 2019 and 2024, according to Ministry of Tourism data. Somalia’s arrivals rose from 5,044 in 2019 to 12,320 in 2024, marking the only triple-digit growth. The other top growth markets included Cambodia (81%), Kazakhstan (72%), Vietnam (61%), and Bhutan (47%).