VFS Global will now leverage SAP software to help it develop leading-edge AI-powered digital solutions for cross-border mobility and citizen services. Cross-border mobility and citizen services are becoming increasingly digital, and governments are looking into the use of innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to drive efficiency and sovereign security. To accelerate its innovation road map and help governments meet the increasingly complex needs of travelers and citizens, VFS Global is adopting SAP S/4HANA Cloud Public Edition and other SAP solutions. “We take great pride in partnering with SAP as a leading and trusted technology and AI company,” said Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO of VFS Global. “By combining our deep expertise in visa, consular and citizen services with SAP’s world-class solutions, we empower governments to enhance efficiency, strengthen security and enable seamless mobility for millions of travelers around the world.” “With SAP solutions at its core, VFS Global will be able to leverage the latest innovations to become an even stronger partner for governments, travelers and citizens worldwide,” said Christian Klein, CEO of SAP SE. In line with its vision to embrace technological innovation to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, VFS Global has also chosen SAP Business Technology Platform and the SAP Business Data Cloud solution to deliver leading-edge and AI-powered solutions to its customers and to drive operational excellence across its global operations. “By combining the strengths of VFS Global and SAP, we are elevating cross-border mobility and citizen services to the next level”, said Michael Nilles, member of the VFS Global Executive Board and Chief Digital and Technology Officer. “Strategically, this positions us as a leading force in shaping the future of GovTech and TravelTech, powered by …

Scentzania, an experiential retail brand, is making its India debut with a bold ambition: to redefine how the country experiences self-expression through scent. Born from Singapore’s globally acclaimed Scentopia, the brand blends technology, storytelling, and creativity to offer a fragrance experience that is personal, interactive, and unforgettable. “We didn’t set out to sell perfumes. We set out to create a space where people could explore who they are — through scent,” said Prachi Saini Garg, Founder and Managing Director of Scentopia. “As we bring our experiential concept to India, our aim is to engage deeply with consumers and capture up to 10% of the country’s perfume market over the next two years — by offering something far more personal than traditional retail.” Voted TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best in 2024 and featured as a Mastercard Priceless Experience, this immersive fragrance journey has become a flagship attraction on Sentosa Island, delighting tourists, corporate groups, and couples alike. Visitors don’t just shop — they embark on a playful, creative journey to craft a scent that is truly their own, surrounded by interactive zones inspired by Singapore’s native orchids and guided by intelligent digital avatars. With over SGD $2 million in revenue last year and thousands of five-star reviews, the experience has proven that fragrance creation can be as emotionally fulfilling as it is innovative. As Scentzania makes its India debut, the brand plans to launch six flagship studios across major metros including Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad in the first phase. Over the next three to five years, Scentzania aims to establish over 50 franchise outlets and Scentzania-Lite experiential centers across key cities and emerging towns, supported by a centralized warehouse …

In its continued efforts to position Rajasthan as a premier global destination, the Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, in collaboration with the Federation of Hospitality and Tourism of Rajasthan (FHTR), is making an exclusive and vibrant appearance at the prestigious “Colors of the World Fair” being held from 18 April to 20 April, 2025, in Istanbul, Turkey. The Rajasthan Pavilion is an immersive celebration of the State’s rich cultural heritage, tourism potential and warm hospitality. On day one, the Pavilion witnessed a grand opening ceremony and quickly became a hub of activity and attraction. Visitors were welcomed by senior officials from the Department of Tourism, along with the Presidents of FHTR and Hotel and Restaurant Association of Rajasthan (HRAR), and prominent members of Indian Heritage Hotels Association (IHHA) and Rajasthan Association of Tour Operators (RATO). The delegation also includes renowned hoteliers, travel agents, destination management companies, event professionals, folk artists, and culinary experts. It is to be noted that Rajasthan’s presence stood out with vibrant traditional attire, including saris and turbans, soulful folk music, live culinary experiences, and engaging cultural activities and giveaways. The Pavilion received an overwhelming response from international guests, who were particularly enchanted by the live music performances and the unique opportunity to sample Rajasthani culture firsthand. President of FHTR, Kuldeep Singh Chandela delivered a heartfelt welcome address, setting the tone for Rajasthan’s participation. He, along with Joint Director, Department of Tourism, Government of Rajasthan, Dr. Punita Singh, also joined an insightful panel discussion on the future of global tourism, engaging with high-ranking tourism officials from across the world. The fair has also highlighted the tremendous tourism potential between Turkiye and Rajasthan, with cultural similarities and …

Ved Khanna, President, ADTOI, expresses confidence in Kashmir’s resilience as a destination. Acknowledging the immediate fallout with a spike in cancellations, he says, “My members in Kashmir have informed me their original bookings stand with people still showing interest in travelling to Kashmir, especially for the Amarnath Yatra in July. We have seen such situations before and Kashmir has always bounced back.”

Speaking of today’s traveller, Anil Parashar, Chief Executive Officer, InterGlobe Technology Quotient, says, “To my mind, 2025 will be where the customer wants to have the least number of touch points with a one-point contact. Today’s traveller is driven by experiences, and he is going to use a lot of AI. He will use the benefits of the content which is available either through GDS or through direct sales. It’s going to be a new world, and the customer is looking for all solutions under one point.”  

H.E. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “Our strategic approach to elevating Abu Dhabi as a cultural and tourism destination is delivering tangible results. Sustained investment into data-led destination marketing, diversified programming, a culture-first ethos and ever-improving visitor experience touchpoints have driven robust growth in Q1 2025, building on a strong 2024. As we showcase the offerings of our emirate, we are focused on strengthening our key partnerships, expanding our global reach, and accelerating progress towards our long-term tourism goals—all while ensuring that Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural identity remains at the heart of everything we offer.”

HVS ANAROCK Hotel General Managers Survey captures industry leaders’ perspectives on key trends and opportunities in 2025. This year, ADR remains the top priority for them, especially for business hotels where 70% plan to focus on ADR growth. In contrast, leisure hotels show a more balanced approach, with 58% prioritising occupancy. While business hotels remain anchored in corporate bookings and MICE, and leisure hotels prioritise FITs, weddings and social events are emerging as a significant revenue driver across both segments.

The Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India (FHRAI), in collaboration with the FHRAI Institute of Hospitality Management (FHRAI-IHM) and with the support of the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, hosted Harit Yoga – A Signature Event as part of the International Day of Yoga 2025 celebrations. The event took place at the FHRAI-IHM campus in Greater Noida. Bringing together students, hospitality professionals, and wellness advocates, the event celebrated yoga as a powerful tool for harmony, peace, and environmental consciousness. The session was led by expert trainers from Mokshayatan Yog Sansthan, Noida, including Yogacharya Mukta Sharma and Yogacharya Divya Sharma, with support from Yogi Vaibhav, Yogi Rahul, Yogini Nikki, and Yogini Kavita. As part of the celebration, saplings were distributed to participants by Shri S C Suneja and Dr Narendra Kumar, symbolising a collective commitment to environmental stewardship. This act of tree planting underscored the event’s theme and served as a tangible reminder of the connection between personal well-being and ecological health. The gathering commenced with the Common Yoga Protocol and was followed by a series of curated yoga practices, breathing exercises, and guided meditation. Each session aimed to highlight yoga not just as a physical discipline but as a holistic way of life that cultivates mindfulness, balance, and a deeper connection with nature. This year’s theme, “Harit Yoga: Embrace Nature, Embrace Peace,” placed a special emphasis on sustainable living and the role of yoga in nurturing both personal and planetary well-being. Conversations on green practices and lifestyle choices were woven into the programme, encouraging participants to make conscious decisions that align with wellness and ecological balance. Jaison Chacko, Secretary General, FHRAI said, “Yoga is not just about postures or routines. …

Vietnam Airlines, the national carrier of Vietnam, proudly marked a new milestone today with the successful launch of its upgraded wide-body operations on the Mumbai-Hanoi route. The airline will now operate four weekly flights using the state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 aircraft, offering passengers a superior travel experience with enhanced comfort, cutting-edge technology, and greater capacity. The inaugural wide-body flight departed from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Mumbai, amidst much fanfare, featuring a ceremonial cake-cutting ceremony and a warm welcome for passengers. Dignitaries, airport officials, and representatives from Vietnam Airlines and its India GSA, Aeroprime Group, were present to celebrate the occasion. Speaking at the launch event, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Manager India at Vietnam Airlines, said, “We are thrilled to begin this exciting new chapter in our India operations. Upgrading to wide-body aircraft on the Mumbai-Hanoi route underscores our dedication to delivering unparalleled comfort and convenience to Indian travelers. We look forward to welcoming more passengers onboard and strengthening the vital air bridge between India and Vietnam.” This upgrade is a strong testament to Vietnam Airlines’ growing commitment to the Indian market, providing travelers with best-in-class amenities such as spacious full-flat beds in business class, in-flight entertainment across all classes, gourmet meal options including specially curated Indian cuisine, and world-class Vietnamese hospitality. Adding to this, Abhishek Goyal, CEO & Executive Director of Aeroprime Group, commented, “Vietnam has rapidly emerged as a preferred destination for Indian travelers, and with this upgrade, Vietnam Airlines is perfectly positioned to meet the growing demand, enhancing connectivity between India and Vietnam and setting a new benchmark for travel experience in this sector.” Vietnam Airlines currently operates 14 flights weekly from Delhi …

Addressing global geopolitical tensions and climate change, PATA leadership predicted a future of regional travel dominance. With rising airfare costs and increasing environmental awareness, long-haul tourism may become less viable. Asia’s intra-regional strength, where 80% of arrivals come from neighboring countries, positions it well for this shift. “We must stop assuming tourism equals Western arrivals,” said Peter Semone, Chair, PATA. “Our biggest spenders may already be next door.”