Lords Hotels & Resorts is embarking on a significant expansion plan following the impressive success and growth achieved in 2024.  The group currently manages a portfolio of 70 hotels and is planning to add over 15 new properties by the end of 2025. It is actively expanding its presence in key regions, including Gujarat, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Himachal Pradesh, among others. Pushpendra Bansal, COO, expressed his enthusiasm stating “We are incredibly proud of the significant growth we achieved in 2024 and the enduring trust our partners and stakeholders have in our brand. Our iconic hotels, incredible food and beverage offerings, and unparalleled event venues reflect the commitment to delivering unmatched service and True Value Hospitality.” Vikas Suri, Vice President – Operations & Development added, “The demand for mid-segment upscale hotels is increasing and is expected to continue in the coming years, as travelers increasingly prioritize value for money. We aim to leverage this trend by expanding our operations further in Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 cities across India and internationally.”

VFS Global has launched its new user-friendly and efficient online platform to make Indonesia’s Electronic Visa on Arrival (e-VoA) application process seamless for travellers, promote inbound tourism, and enhance overall customer experience. The platform is in line with Indonesian government’s ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism infrastructure and services to welcome 14 million visitors in 2025. VFS Global’s new e-VoA platform, is available for nationals of 97 countries, including India. Travellers can now enjoy a quicker and smoother visa application journey through VFS Global by completing the entire process online and receiving a pre-approved e-VoA before departure. Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Business Development, VFS Global, said, “As a company, we are constantly working towards innovations which provide a seamless visa application submission experience to our customers. The launch of this innovative, secure, and user-friendly digital e-Visa on Arrival platform for Indonesia will undoubtedly streamline the visa application process, making it faster, easier, and more convenient. With Indonesia being a globally sought-after destination, we are honoured to assist visitors from 97 countries by facilitating their entry into this incredible country through this platform.”  

Southeast Asia has long been a favoured region for Indian travellers due to its connectivity, says Jia-En Poon, Senior Manager, Sales, Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines (SIA), and this trend continued in 2024. “This past summer, Southeast Asian destinations that were the top choice for Indians included Singapore, Bali, and Bangkok. We have also observed travel demand from India to Koh Samui, Krabi, Penang and Malacca,” he says. In terms of traveller profiles out of India, he has observed mainly leisure travellers, workers, and VFR traffic. “India is an important market for Scoot. It is a country with tremendous growth potential as it rapidly establishes itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, fuelled by a burgeoning middle class, rising disposable incomes and the expansion of both domestic and international flights routes. Customer preferences are also continuously evolving, and it is important for us to stay close to the market and understand what customers want from a low-cost carrier,” Poon adds. The increase in the number of airports and low-cost airlines has significantly enhanced connectivity throughout the country and to global destinations, making air travel more accessible. He adds, “By 2025, the aviation industry is expected to be in a state of transformation, driven by technological advancements and significant infrastructure investment. While challenges remain, the overall outlook suggests a resilient industry adapting to new realities and striving for a more sustainable future. With these evolutions in the aviation and travel landscape, we need to continually adapt to ensure that these expectations are met. We aspire to find ways to differentiate ourselves from other low-cost carriers.” The airline currently operates to over 70 destinations across 18 countries and …

Keeping the theme of its convention as ‘Tourism for Tomorrow, Protecting the Planet’, TAFI aims to empower eco-friendly travel by focussing on environmental stewardship and guiding the way for its members. Ajay Prakash, its President, says, “It is important that we as travel agents keep in mind the fact that the resources of this planet are finite and tourism thrives, essentially, on the natural beauty and diversity of the planet. We therefore have a moral responsibility to contribute towards the protection, preservation and nurturing of the planet.”

K. Syama Raju, President of FHRAI, says it is keen to collaborate with the Andhra Pradesh govt to achieve its goals mentioned in its latest Tourism Policy which recognises tourism as an industry, combined with substantial incentives for private investors and a focus on thematic circuits. He says, “With its emphasis on sustainability and community empowerment, this policy has the potential to create significant economic and employment opportunities.”

To attract tourists from non-ASEAN countries, the ASEAN Tourism Association has re-introduced its ASEAN Pass, which offers affordable inter-ASEAN travel options, shared its president, Eddy Soemawilaga. The pass, currently implemented via AirAsia’s platform, encourages multi-destination travel and invites participation from other airlines and travel agents.

A partnership between Asego and Collinson enables eligible policy holders of Asego WaitMate to access over 1,600 premium airport lounges and travel experiences globally in the event of a delayed flight. This is powered by Collinson International’s SmartDelay solution. The addition of Asego WaitMate to our product portfolio enhances the customer experience, especially during uncertainties such as flight delays. During such trip inconveniences, Asego offers comprehensive insurance along with the comfort of exclusive lounge access. This partnership further reinforces Asego’s commitment to elevating travel protection for Indian travellers,” said Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO – Asego Global Assistance & Travel Insurance.

Sharing his views and expectations on the upcoming Union Budget, Hussain Patel, Director, TripJack, says, “The travel and tourism sector hopes the Union Budget will address its pressing challenges and pave the way for sustained growth. Rationalizing GST rates for travel agents and enabling input tax credits are essential steps to reduce operational costs and improve market competitiveness. Simplifying compliance processes can further alleviate the administrative burden on businesses. Additionally, promoting domestic and inbound tourism through innovative awareness campaigns and eco-friendly initiatives can foster sustainable development and boost the sector’s long-term prospects. The budget will most likely focus on expanding regional connectivity programs like UDAN and accelerating tourism infrastructure development in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to unlock untapped domestic travel markets. Emphasis on digitization and targeted skill development programs can empower travel agents to adapt to emerging industry trends. Offering affordable credit facilities to small and mid-sized travel agents can strengthen financial resilience and support business growth. If these measures are included in the budget they can stimulate robust and sustainable progress in the industry.”  

Royal Jordanian Airlines is delighted to announce the launch of new non-stop routes connecting Amman with Mumbai and New Delhi. The Mumbai route will operate with four weekly flights starting on April 17, 2025, and the New Delhi route will commence with four weekly flights starting on September 17, 2025. These new routes align with Royal Jordanian’s growth and expansion strategy, focusing on positioning Jordan as a premier tourism destination for the Indian market and enhancing connectivity to over 45 global destinations. In line with the “Explore Jordan” program, the launch of these routes highlights Royal Jordanian’s commitment to showcasing Jordan as a unique tourist destination for Indian travelers. Jordan offers a rich array of experiences, blending ancient wonders like Petra and the Dead Sea with the modern vibrancy of Amman, creating an authentic and contemporary Arabian journey just five-hours away. Through these routes, Royal Jordanian aims to introduce Indian travelers to Jordan’s charm and diversity while positioning itself as a boutique airline that delivers exceptional service, connects cultures, and brings this remarkable destination closer than ever. Amman, the hub of Royal Jordanian Airlines, will serve as a gateway for Indian travelers to Europe, North America, and the Middle East, providing seamless connections to a wide range of destinations. As part of its expansion plan, Royal Jordanian will introduce 19 brand-new A320neo and Boeing 787 aircraft in 2025/26. The new routes to Mumbai and New Delhi will be served by the A320neos, featuring dual-class configurations (Economy and Business), advanced in-flight entertainment, and WiFi services to enhance the passenger experience. These state-of-the-art aircraft ensure travelers enjoy exceptional comfort, efficiency, and a seamless journey. Flights from Mumbai and New Delhi will launch …

The much-awaited MTF Premier League III, organized by MTF Events, is all set to take place on January 12, 2025, at the DSC Cricket Grounds. As the third edition of this exciting tournament, the event promises to be bigger, bolder, and more exhilarating than ever before. With 8 dynamic teams battling it out in a series of thrilling matches, the MTF Premier League has become a hallmark event for cricket enthusiasts and members of the travel trade community. Each team, comprising 15-16 skilled players, has been preparing rigorously for months to deliver top-notch cricketing action. The day-long event will feature: • Round Robin Matches to kick-start the adrenaline-pumping action. • Semi-Finals and Finals to crown the ultimate champions. • A Special Friendly Match, adding an extra dose of fun to the proceedings. But it’s not just about cricket! True to the MTF spirit, the event will also o􀆯er: • A gastronomical journey with a wide variety of food and drinks. • Live entertainment and engaging activities to keep spirits high. • Opportunities to network and unwind in a vibrant, festive atmosphere. MTF Premier League III is made possible by the generous contributions of team owners and sponsors, ensuring that the event remains a free-for-all celebration for registered players and supporters. Special Thanks to our Travel Trade Media Partners for giving us the due coverage in their publications. To enhance the excitement, we have a digital- experience with live updates and interactive engagement, including opportunities for supporters to cheer for their favorite teams through social media and on-site activities. Entry Details: • Registration is mandatory. (Open to Senior Travel Professionals only). • Walk-ins and children are not permitted. • Dress code: …