This MoU marks the first adoption of OpenAI’s technology by a national tourism organisation in Asia. Through this, STB aims to accelerate the adoption of Advanced AI to enhance visitor experiences, improve productivity, and unlock new opportunities for innovation. STB will also explore potential use cases for advanced AI tools and robotics in real-world tourism settings.

Speaking about the new AI tools, Hari Ganapathy, Co-Founder, PickYourTrail, says, “The UI of OTAs hasn’t changed in 20 years. With the rise of agentic browsers like Comet, and tools like ChatGPT Agent that can plug into your Gmail, Drive, Calendar — that layer is evaporating and fast. If you build one more travel AI solution, best of luck! The true moat of travel is in pricing + customer experience at scale.”

India will begin issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals from today – July 24, 2025, marking the end of a five-year suspension. In a statement, the Embassy of India in China said that Chinese citizens can apply for a tourist visa after completing an online application, scheduling an appointment and personally submitting their passport and other documents to the Indian Visa Application Centers in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Travel agencies are facing growing pressure from fragmented content systems that are increasing operational costs. A new global study commissioned by Sabre reveals that more than 91% of agencies operate with four or more booking systems, and over half are managing seven or more – a sprawl that is impacting productivity, profitability, and agent satisfaction.

ITC Hotels announced the launch of Welcomhotel Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh further expanding its presence across North India. Aligned with the company’s asset-right strategy, the property will be operated under a management contract. Nestled in one of the most ancient and illustrious cities of the world, Welcomhotel Prayagraj epitomises a harmonious convergence of timeless heritage and contemporary elegance, meticulously curated to serve both discerning business connoisseurs and leisure explorers. With the launch of Welcomhotel Prayagraj, ITC Hotels Ltd. now has a presence of 7 properties in the state with 6 more hotels in the pipeline in Uttar Pradesh. Architecturally, a symphony of traditional charm and modern sophistication, Welcomhotel Prayagraj features 60 spaciously appointed rooms & suites- a sanctuary of comfort with sweeping vistas of the city’s storied landscape. The hotel is poised to become the premier venue for destination weddings, intimate gatherings and corporate conclaves with its versatile indoor and outdoor banqueting spaces. Strategically located near the confluence of the revered Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers- an apex of sacred sanctity, the city of Prayagraj stands as a venerable testament to India’s enduring spiritual and intellectual lineage. This locale, offers an ambiance imbued with deep historical resonance and divine tranquillity in India’s culturally rich heartland. Reflecting upon this momentous occasion, Anil Chadha, Managing Director, ITC Hotels Ltd said, “It is with great pride that we unveil Welcomhotel Prayagraj, in a city of profound cultural and spiritual eminence. This expansion not only fortifies our footprint in Uttar Pradesh but also underscores our dedication to crafting immersive hospitality experiences-celebrating the region’s culture while upholding the highest standards of service excellence. Prayagraj, with its eternal allure and spiritual magnetism, stands as a luminous …

Sited on Lake Lucerne and surrounded by gorgeous mountains, Lucerne is a modern-meets-medieval city offering numerous excursions, exciting attractions, gourmet cuisine, fantastic shopping, and a vibrant nightlife. Attend all webinars for a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2026! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

The Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India (ADTOI), Maharashtra Chapter, successfully concluded its study tour to Goa from 14th to 16th July 2025, showcasing Goa’s diverse offerings for domestic tourism, leisure travel, and MICE potential. Led by Dharmendra Singh Chauhan, Chairman – ADTOI Maharashtra Chapter, the three-day tour brought together active members and key industry stakeholders for an immersive experience across some of Goa’s most notable hospitality and tourism assets. The delegation was hosted for two nights by Ginger Candolim – IHCL SeleQtions, who also organised a property showcase and networking lunch on 15th July morning. The event was graced by Deepak Narvekar, Deputy General Manager – Hotels, Marketing, IT & Public Relations, Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd. (GTDC), who lauded the efforts of ADTOI in building strong linkages between regional tourism stakeholders and travel professionals. The itinerary featured interactive visits to: Mandrem Beach Resort – where the group was hosted for high tea and a property walkthrough Neelam De Glitz – which offered lunch and a comprehensive hotel orientation Aralia Beach Resort, Morjim – the setting for a gala dinner evening Jumping Heights, Goa – offering a thrilling insight into Goa’s adventure tourism landscape Snow Park & Thunder World – offered us A unique experience of such type of activities first time in Goa These experiences were designed to deepen the understanding of Goa’s evolving hospitality and tourism ecosystem, encourage partnerships, and boost confidence among travel trade professionals to position Goa as a year-round destination. “It was a wonderful and enriching experience for all involved,” said one participant. “The hospitality, local experiences, and opportunities to connect with Goa’s top tourism players have been truly valuable.”

TripJack is proud to announce its strategic partnership with BOXX Insurance, a global cyber protection and insurance company to launch CyberSafe, a cutting-edge digital security companion designed to keep modern travelers protected from evolving cyber threats. In today’s interconnected world where travel is deeply intertwined with digital connectivity, safety is no longer limited to physical well-being. From booking flights to accessing digital services and making online payments, travelers are constantly exposed to cyber risks. According to recent studies, over 35% of Indian travelers have experienced cyber incidents while abroad, including identity theft, financial fraud, and phishing attacks. Globally, more than 1 in 4 travelers report being targeted by cybercrime during international trips. The need for robust digital protection has never been more urgent. CyberSafe addresses this growing demand by offering real-time identity monitoring, digital risk assessment tools, guided response support, and educational resources to stay ahead of global cyber threats. This comprehensive suite of services empowers travelers to navigate the digital world safely, whether they’re booking tickets, accessing services online, or managing personal data abroad. “Travelers today face an increasingly complex digital risk landscape,” said Hussain Patel, Director, TripJack. “Through the launch of CyberSafe in collaboration with BOXX Insurance, we’re proud to offer essential tools and support to help our customers stay one step ahead of cyber threats. This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to enhancing the travel experience with holistic protection—both physical and digital.” With a proven track record of helping travelers stay cyber-secure across Asia, Europe, and North America, BOXX Insurance now brings its global expertise to TripJack customers in India. This collaboration ensures that travelers in the region can enjoy their journeys with confidence, knowing their digital identities are …

Sarovar Hotels announces the opening of Royal Tulip Kathmandu – the first Royal Tulip in Nepal, and a landmark property set to become the country’s largest hotel and the most expansive MICE destination in the capital city. Developed by The Massif Hotel, this iconic project introduces the internationally acclaimed Royal Tulip brand to Kathmandu, blending 5-star luxury hospitality with the vibrancy of Nepalese culture. As part of Louvre Hotels Group’s premium brand portfolio, Royal Tulip is synonymous with refined elegance, upscale amenities, and global standards of service. Strategically located on Ring Road, just 3.5 km from Tribhuvan International Airport, Royal Tulip Kathmandu features an impressive 308 rooms and suites, making it the largest hotel in Nepal by room count. Designed to cater to both business and leisure travellers, the property offers modern accommodations, thoughtful amenities, and a seamless guest experience. Royal Tulip Kathmandu also marks a major milestone in the city’s MICE infrastructure, introducing Kathmandu’s largest convention centre, with over 30,000 sq. ft. of versatile event space. This includes two grand banquet halls of 11,000 sq. ft. each, along with additional meeting rooms and breakout areas – positioning it as the preferred venue for international conferences, destination weddings, exhibitions, and large-scale corporate gatherings. The hotel will initially operate with 104 keys and has also opened two exceptional F&B outlets. The beautiful all-day dining venue, Lalitpur Café, is a welcoming space where every meal feels like a special occasion. Filled with natural light and warm hospitality, it’s the perfect place to relax, connect, and enjoy great food. Similarly, The Alpine Lounge & Bar is a sophisticated space where guests can unwind with handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits, accompanied by live …

Akasa Air announced the launch of its dedicated SME corporate booking platform, empowering India’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with direct access to exclusive corporate fare benefits on both domestic and international flights.  SMEs can register on Akasa Air’s official platform. This initiative aims to enhance business travel for India’s growing SME ecosystem by offering cost-efficient, flexible, and seamless travel options. India-based SMEs can now register directly on the Akasa Air website and manage their bookings directly across the airline’s entire domestic and international network. They will be offered access to specially curated corporate fares, value add-ons along with Saver and Flexi fares, and benefits including: Discount on corporate fares using promo code CSME04PS Complimentary standard seat with snack and beverage on every flight Up to 50% discount on premium seating, early boarding, and priority check-in No cancellation or change fees up to one hour prior to departure (fare difference and admin fee applicable) International Travel Benefits: Enhanced flexibility, nil cancellation charges (up to 4 hours before departure), and 30 kg baggage allowance on key international routes. Commenting on the initiative, Praveen Iyer, Co-Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Akasa Air, said, “Over the past two and a half years, we’ve observed robust and consistent growth in our corporate portfolio, reflecting the increasing demand for business travel in India. This initiative marks a strategic advancement in our dedication to fostering inclusive economic growth. By enabling SMEs to optimise their travel expenditures and operate with the same agility as larger enterprises, we not only aim to streamline corporate travel but also bolster regional commerce by strengthening the backbone of India’s economy — its SMEs and emerging enterprises. This platform reinforces Akasa Air’s …