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%).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Uttarakhand’s rapid tourism growth during the state’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Dehradun, noting the surge from 4,000 tourists in six months to the same number daily. He encouraged the state to position itself as India’s “Spiritual Capital” in the coming years and inaugurated or laid foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹8,140 crore.

Global Aviation Services was honoured with the Best Passenger GSSA – Excellence in Service award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Accepting the accolade, Jalpa H Vithalani, Group Managing Director, dedicated it to her father, HK Vithalani, Founder Chairman, and the team, saying such recognitions continue to inspire and uphold their legacy of excellence.

Deepak Arora, Director, Leading Hotels of the World – India, has shared that India is the fastest growing office for Leading Hotels of the World globally. He revealed that they have recorded 50 per cent growth in the last one year. In fact, the growth has doubled since 2023, when they first started the Leading Experience India event.

According to a new World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) report, smart border management (SBM) could boost the global economy by adding $401 billion in GDP and create 14 million jobs across G20, EU, and African Union nations by 2035. With Travel & Tourism projected to reach $16.5 trillion in global GDP, WTTC and SITA stress border modernisation as crucial.

Kerala Tourism is working to position the state as India’s leading workation destination, said  Mohammed Riyas, Tourism Minister, after a high-level planning meeting in Thiruvananthapuram. Officials from the tourism, IT, and hospitality sectors discussed strategies to enhance infrastructure and interdepartmental coordination. The roadmap will be submitted to the CM, aiming to blend leisure, innovation, and remote work experiences.

Mayfair Spring Valley Resort, Guwahati, was honoured with the ‘Best Luxury Resort – Destination Weddings – Northeast’ award at the India Travel Awards 2025. Accepting the award, Pravesh Sharma, Director, said, “It’s an incredible honour and a proud moment that celebrates our dedication, creativity, and heartfelt hospitality, motivating us to continue crafting unforgettable celebrations.”

India will have 34 mega airports by 2047, said Vipin Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India, at the Aviation India 2025 event. The country’s operational airports have risen to 164 from 74 in 2024. He added that 110 airstrips are suitable for development, while 200 more are under suitability assessment.

Live events are thriving in India, with global artistes adding the country to their tour schedules and the government targeting to double the concert economy. According to Thrillophilia, event-linked travel has surged 42% year-on-year, giving rise to the ‘gigcation’ — short, experience-led getaways. Hotels in metro cities are reporting sold-out weekends, while tour operators are curating concert-centric itineraries.