Sunil Kumar, President, TAAI, said, “We are planning to do our convention in the Q3 or Q4 of this year.” Speaking about the travel and tourism situation of Jammu and Kashmir, he noted that they invested so much in promoting the UT in Kashmir during 2018, which gave it a premier tourism status. He regretted that the current developments have diluted the returns that came in as a result of years of effort.

IndiGo has launched new direct flight services linking Abu Dhabi with two of India’s vibrant cultural cities—Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar. This exciting addition aims to improve international connectivity, offering Indian travellers more options for affordable and convenient global travel. Starting from 12 June, flights between Bhubaneswar and Abu Dhabi will operate three times a week, while the Visakhapatnam-Abu Dhabi route will run four times a week, beginning 13 June.

Hahnair launches a new brand to encompass its new suite of retailing solutions based on NDC (New Distribution Capability). Under the umbrella Distriply by Hahnair, the company will introduce a range of products that will enable airlines and travel agencies to tap into new distribution channels, perfectly complementing the existing Hahnair GDS-based solutions.

The government has decided to lift the Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for several airports across north and north-western India that had been temporarily closed for civilian flights till May 15. Airport Authority of India revoked the suspension, which had led to numerous flight cancellations. The decision was taken post India-Pakistan ceasefire.

Hyatt has signed a management agreement with Krivish Hospitality for the development of Grand Hyatt Indore, which is set to open in 2029. This 11.5-acre luxury property is poised to redefine hospitality standards in Indore, a rapidly growing economic hub of Madhya Pradesh. The hotel will feature 250 opulent rooms and suites catering to both business and leisure travellers.

FHRAI has signed an MoU with the CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition (CIRC) to launch a legal and compliance course tailored for the hospitality industry. K Shyama Raju, President, FHRAI, said, “Understanding the law is no longer optional; it’s a necessity.” The 8-week course aims to equip hoteliers, restaurateurs, and hospitality professionals with practical knowledge to tackle regulatory challenges.

Deepak Narula, MD, GRNconnect, said the company will expand its offerings following key discussions at ATM. “There is a demand for more products,” he noted. GRNconnect also aims to adopt new technologies based on emerging trends. “Artificial intelligence is becoming visible, and it’s time to incorporate the same into our system,” he added, highlighting the company’s strategic tech focus.

Outlining his vision to expand the association’s global footprint by forging partnerships with international tourism boards and organisations, Ravi Gosain, President, Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), said, “We want IATO to grow into a truly international organisation. Whenever anyone is looking to do business with India, they should consider our members as their first choice.”

In a decisive move reflecting the current geopolitical tensions, leading Indian travel agencies such as EaseMyTrip, Cox & Kings and ixigo have suspended all travel packages, all flight and hotel bookings to Turkey and Azerbaijan in solidarity with India following the Pahalgam terror attack. Both countries expressed diplomatic support for Pakistan, as a result of which several Indian travel operators have paused bookings to these destinations, advising caution.

Serene Woon, Area Director-Designate, India, Middle East, and South Asia (Mumbai), Singapore Tourism Board, said, “India’s culture, diversity, and growing global influence make it a key focus and growth market for us at STB. Together with my team and our partners, I look forward to building on the strong foundation we have established and bringing Singapore closer to Indian travellers.”