Digital travel platform Agoda announces a strategic partnership with the Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL), one of India’s largest hospitality companies. This collaboration expands Agoda’s premium offerings across the globe enabling travelers internationally to access IHCL’s world-class portfolio of properties through Agoda’s platform. The partnership brings 250 of IHCL’s operating properties — including iconic brands such as Taj, SeleQtions, Vivanta, Ginger, and the newly launched Claridges Collection — to Agoda’s global customer base. As Agoda celebrates its 20th birthday this year, the collaboration underscores the organization’s continued focus on enhancing customer choice, value, experience and industry partnerships in key travel markets. “IHCL is an iconic name, and that says something in a market like India where hospitality is in a league of its own,” said Omri Morgenshtern, Chief Executive Officer at Agoda. “Under the leadership of MD & CEO Puneet Chhatwal, IHCL continues to set benchmarks in the industry. One of Agoda’s strengths is working together with the best wherever we operate, and with this partnership, we’re doing exactly that. I’m thrilled to combine IHCL’s portfolio of heritage palaces, luxury city hotels, and more with Agoda’s tech-driven solutions and global reach.” Through this alliance, Agoda connects IHCL to its growing user base of international and intra-regional travelers, particularly from Asia Pacific and the Middle East — two regions where demand for culturally rich, luxury travel is rising fast. The collaboration is also aligned with IHCL’s strategy to grow its portfolio to over 700 hotels by 2030 and build deeper connections with the digitally savvy traveler. “This partnership with Agoda supports our ambition of driving global awareness for IHCL’s diverse brands,” said Puneet Chhatwal, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, IHCL. “As travel demand continues to grow, we are confident that Agoda’s strong …

Amadeus and Google today announced a landmark partnership to deploy Google Cloud’s technology, reinforcing Amadeus’ commitment to cloud and AI innovation. Under the agreement, Amadeus, one of the leading travel technology companies, will migrate part of its technical platform to Google Cloud, leveraging its open, secure, and reliable infrastructure, to enhance operational efficiency and resiliency, while being closer to customers’ needs. The partnership will also enable Amadeus to build future innovations and services based on Google Cloud’s generative AI technologies and other solutions.   The selection of Google Cloud, underscores Amadeus’ commitment to a multicloud strategy, complementing and expanding its reach across 42 global regions. Amadeus’ open cloud approach helps the company foster innovation and autonomy, while prioritizing security and reliability. In particular, Google Cloud’s expertise in data analytics and management will provide agility and efficiency for Amadeus, enabling the company to harmonize data across its diverse customer systems.   Amadeus will also explore future AI-driven innovations by leveraging Google Cloud’s AI technologies. By using Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, Amadeus will have access to a vast selection of large language models (LLMs), allowing the company to deploy faster AI solutions. Amadeus will explore Agentic AI with Google Agentspace and Google Cloud’s open and interoperable approach to agents, considering a possible integration into its own solutions. Amadeus’ exploration of AI, including use cases for AI agents collaborating with each other, could help bring concrete benefits to travel players and travelers, offering a richer, more fluid and more comprehensive travel experience.   Furthermore, the two companies are exploring collaboration opportunities to enhance flight search accuracy and airline offer management by integrating Amadeus MetaConnect and Amadeus Nevio with Google Flights and the Google Offer Management system (QPX), …

A bold new ocean experience is surfacing soon! Find out more about what’s new at Singapore Oceanarium (formerly S.E.A. Aquarium) at this webinar on 27 May, 2025 at 3pm hosted by Resorts World Sentosa. It is slated to open in Q3 2025 and will have immersive exhibits, digital storytelling, and a focus on marine research, redefining how we experience the ocean in Southeast Asia. For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or call ‪+91 96501 96532.

Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL, said, “The Northeast region is witnessing significant commercial and economic development. IHCL reinforces its commitment to build new tourist circuits and itineraries in line with the Tata ethos of development of a region.” Under its Accelerate 2030 roadmap, IHCL plans to grow to 30 hotels by 2030 and invest ₹2,500 crore in the region over the next three years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the G20 Summit helped India gain recognition as a global tourist destination, but the States should leverage this opportunity. He urged the States to develop at least one tourist destination that meets global standards and expectations. He added that 25 to 30 such tourist destinations can be created across India.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) is delighted to announce Manfredi Lefebvre, chairman of Heritage Group and co-chair of luxury travel company Abercrombie and Kent, as its Chair-Elect. Lefebvre, who will take over the position in September, during the global tourism body’s 25th Global Summit in Rome, Italy, has been a Member of WTTC for more than 20 years. He will follow current Chairman, Greg O’Hara, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Certares Management LLC (“Certares”), who has been in the position since November 2023. One of the most recognised names in Travel & Tourism, Lefebvre brings with him over four decades of experience in the cruise and leisure industries. A visionary entrepreneur who transformed Silversea Cruises into a global leader, today, he leads diversified investments through Heritage Group, active across biotechnology, medical technologies, energy transition, real estate, information technology, and premium spirits. Greg O’Hara, who continues as WTTC Chair until the Global Summit in September said: “I am delighted to announce Manfredi Lefebvre as Chair-Elect. His experience and dedication to a Sector he loves marks him out as a great future chairman. “Serving WTTC and our Members has been a privilege, and I am delighted to be handing the baton to Manfredi, a renowned force in the global Travel & Tourism sector.” Manfredi Lefebvre said: “As the longest-serving member of the World Travel & Tourism Council, I am filled with elation to be appointed to this esteemed position.” Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Firstly I would like to thank Greg for his immense and continuing contribution to WTTC, his unwavering dedication and exceptional leadership during his tenure. “I am delighted to welcome Manfredi as our new …

This eliminates a legal remedy in the visa application procedure that is not statutorily prescribed and which up to now has been granted voluntarily. This decision is based on a pilot project conducted in several German visa sections, where suspension of remonstrations for both Schengen visas and national visas was tested from 1 June 2023. Evaluation of the pilot project has shown that Dispensing with the remonstration procedure has released considerable staff capacity in visa sections in some cases, freeing up staff to process more visa applications. As a result, it has been possible to process both more national and more Schengen visa applications and to reduce waiting times compared to the same period in the previous year. The processing of a greater number of visa applications and a reduction in waiting times benefits all applicants. Adequate legal protection will also be guaranteed in the future, for judicial review under law will not be limited by the abolition of the remonstration procedure. Furthermore, it goes without saying that all applicants have the option of submitting a new visa application at any time in the case of a rejection. With the general option to apply for national visas for skilled workers, apprentices, students or for family reunification purposes online via the Consular Services Portal available worldwide since 1 January 2025, applicants also receive clear and intuitive step-by-step guidance through the application process to ensure that they submit complete (digital) applications. Experience from the online application pilot project has shown that this significantly improves the quality of the procedure and avoids delays caused by incomplete applications.

Hyatt Hotel Corporation (NYSE: H) announced plans for that the Hyatt House brand to debut in the National Capital Region of India as part of a landmark mixed-use development, the Flagship. Located in Noida, the signing of this 127-key, extended stay hotel, owned by IT Infrastructure Park Private Ltd, a subsidiary of CRC Group, will be strategically located within the 11.16-acre site. As Noida and Greater Noida continue to emerge as thriving economic hubs, Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A is poised to meet the rising demand for premium accommodations driven by the rapid expansion of key industries. With a dynamic influx of corporate activity from major conglomerates in IT/ITeS, electronics manufacturing, automobile, and food processing sectors, the hotel will be strategically positioned to cater to business travelers seeking a seamless blend of comfort, convenience, and modern amenities. By offering an elevated hospitality experience tailored to the needs of professionals, this hotel is set to become a preferred choice for corporate stays in this fast-growing region. A New Benchmark in Extended Stay Hospitality Designed for both transient and extended-stay guests, Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A will offer contemporary, residential-style accommodations to meet the growing demand from project-based stays, international business visitors, and corporate relocations. The hotel will serve professionals and business travelers whether they need accommodations for a single night or several months. Elevated Amenities and Thoughtful Dining Experiences Hyatt House Noida Sector 140A will feature thoughtfully designed spaces, including: A fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, a stretching area, and an outdoor pool. A recreational zone with indoor activities, gaming consoles, billiard tables, and board games. A vibrant food and beverage offering, including a 125-seat, all-day dining restaurant, a poolside bar, and …

India is poised to become a major player in ocean and river cruise tourism, said Mahesh Iyer, MD and CEO, Thomas Cook India. He highlighted that cruise holidays have emerged as a highly viable travel option by eliminating the complexities of multiple visas, offering seamless travel between destinations and an all-inclusive experience with accommodation, dining, entertainment and sightseeing in one package.  

Isha Goyal, CEO, STIC Travel Group, said, “In the next two years, India is taking centre stage in the global travel marketplace as one of the most sought-after source markets in the world.” STIC Travel Group stands on a strong legacy of innovation in the travel industry. “Going forward, we continue to expand our partnerships with emerging tourism brands while maintaining and growing our trusted relationships with our diverse client portfolio,” she added.