LOT Polish Airlines, a member of Star Alliance, is expanding its air service to southwestern Europe. From 25 May 2026, the Polish airline will connect its global hub at Warsaw Chopin Airport with Porto all year round. Portugal’s second largest city is not only the country’s leading economic and commercial centre, but also an extremely popular tourist destination with many attractions that appeal particularly to visitors from India. LOT Polish Airlines will fly to Porto five times a week, every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. During the winter season, four flights per week are planned. Departure time in Warsaw is at 10:20h, arriving in Porto at 13:35h local time after a 3:45-hour flight. On the route, LOT Polish Airlines operates Boeing 737 MAX8 aircraft with two service classes on board. “Having added the Portuguese capital Lisbon to our route network in February this year, we are delighted to now be offering Porto as our second destination in Europe’s south-westernmost country. LOT Polish Airlines is thus establishing itself more and more as an important carrier for scheduled flights to the Iberian Peninsula, as we are growing our air service to Spain too,” says Amit Ray, Director India, DACH Markets, Italy + Malta and Head of Global Corporate and Strategic Sales at LOT Polish Airlines. “From 15 January 2026, we will also be flying to Malaga, and from March 2026 we will be connecting Krakow with Madrid and Barcelona for the first time. In addition, we plan to double our capacity from Warsaw to Madrid and Barcelona to 14 flights per week in summer 2026.” Port wine, fado and a wealth of history  Porto is world-famous for its port wine, which …

Located just an hour’s drive away from the city of Bhopal, Bakaniya quaintly sits, facing vast green landscapes that reveal the aesthetic beauty of the land. Herein lies Empire by Zuper, where outdoor spaces blend with nature, and comfort in its most appealing and contemporary form is offered to guests. As you enter the resort’s gateway, you will see twelve acres of lush, green land transform into a stunning retreat that seamlessly blends luxury, comfort, and thoughtful design. 38 accommodations, including 2 Tulip exclusive Rooms, 2 Lillian exclusive Rooms, 17 Magnolia Rooms, and 17 Azalea Rooms, each with a private portico overlooking panoramic beauty, are made available for guests. The dining options are Savor and Chaska. Savor is a multi-cuisine restaurant offering international fare. At the same time, Chaska is a rooftop brasserie with spacious décor – order your favourite gastronomical delight and indulge in the aroma as you enjoy the looming horizon lined with deep green trees. If you are a group, consider a private dining room that easily accommodates 10 to 12 people – make this your exclusive space to enjoy conversation and laughter. You can also enjoy your favourite sips by the bar where expert mixers predict your palate and offer soul-soothing drinks. Indoor recreations are available for those who want to spend their time playing and competing. Play carrom or table tennis – alternatively, jump onto the treadmill to get your daily dose of cardio. The entire space overlooks a greenery that enraptures you. Enjoy the most modern amenities, which are made available to our guests who want to make their stay convenient, comfortable, and memorable. Mr Akaal Singh Manchanda, Director of Zuper Hotels & Resorts, …

Hyatt Place Gurgaon Udyog Vihar is delighted to present Hyderabadi Rasoi, a week-long celebration of Hyderabad’s rich and soulful culinary traditions, taking place from November 21 to November 28, 2025. Guests are invited to enjoy a comforting and flavourful journey through the heart of Deccan cuisine — inspired by generations of home recipes, aromatic spices, and heartfelt hospitality. This event brings together the warmth of Hyderabadi kitchens with dishes that reflect the depth and diversity of its culinary heritage. Joining us from Hyderabad is Ms. Dilnaz Baig, a renowned culinary expert known for her dedication to preserving authentic Nizami flavours. Her signature Khatti Dal is a testament to her passion and respect for tradition, blending Irani, Mughlai, and Turkish influences. With culinary experiences across Iran, Turkey, Romania, other parts of Europe and US, Dilnaz brings a global perspective while staying rooted in the soul of Hyderabadi cooking. She is admired not only for her craft but also for mentoring others to carry forward this cherished legacy. Guests can savour authentic Hyderabadi delicacies such as Hyderabadi Biryani, Haleem, Mirchi ka Salan, and Double ka Meetha. Starters include Pathar ka Gosht (stone-grilled lamb), Shikampuri Kebab, Paneer 65 (a vegetarian twist on Chicken 65), and Talawa Gosht (crispy fried mutton). The main course features Hyderabadi Dum Biryani in chicken, vegetarian, and mutton options, Haleem, Mirchi ka Salan, Bagara Baingan, Khatti Dal, and Kacchi Gosht ki Biryani. Each dish is crafted to highlight the authentic flavours, aromas, and techniques that define this beloved cuisine — offering diners a true taste of Hyderabadi home kitchens. To make the experience even more inviting, guests can choose between two thoughtfully curated formats: a Table d’Hôte (TDH) lunch menu, served from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and a buffet dinner, available from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Both priced at ₹1749 per person plus applicable taxes, …

WelcomHeritage has announced the launch of WelcomHeritage Arka Resort & Spa, Rishikesh, a tranquil retreat set against the backdrop of the Shivalik range. Spread across 3.5 acres at an elevation of 4,300 feet, the property is located at Patti Talla in Village Kund Silogi on Lansdowne Road in Yamkeshwar. The resort overlooks the blue-hued mountains, natural ponds (“kunds”), and the point where the Ganges transitions into the plains. The 30 km drive from Tapovan passes through the Rajaji National Park, known for its rich wildlife including endemic birds, deer and elusive leopards. Inspired by the five elements of nature, Arka brings together contemporary comforts and Himalayan serenity. The resort features 25 chalets across four categories: 5 Deluxe Chalets, 6 Family Chalets, 13 Premium Chalets, and 1 Luxury Chalet with a private pool. Tudor-style architecture, pine log ceilings, expansive windows, and minimalist interiors lend the chalets a refined rustic character. All accommodations offer essential modern amenities including Wi-Fi, air-conditioning/heating, flat-screen TV, tea/coffee maker, mini bar, and an electronic safe. Speaking about the launch, Ashutosh Chhibba, CEO, WelcomHeritage Hotels, said, “WelcomHeritage Arka Resort & Spa represents our continued commitment to curating meaningful stays in India’s most inspiring landscapes. Rishikesh has long been a destination for wellness, spirituality and adventure, and Arka is designed to complement this setting with thoughtful hospitality, contemporary comforts, and a deep connection to nature. We believe the resort will resonate with travellers seeking tranquillity as well as those looking to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage.” The on-site multi-cuisine restaurant serves regional and international dishes, with a focus on organic, Sattvik, vegan, and traditional Pahari options. A well-appointed bar offers craft cocktails, curated wines, and premium …

With an exciting lineup of international superstars, regional talent and cultural attractions, the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is all set to kick off on Friday, November 14, at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (Shillong) & Polo Grounds, Shillong and will continue through Saturday, November 15. Celebrating music, culture and the magical bloom of the pink cherry-blossom trees, the festival is going to be a two-day spectacle that will not only enchant but also enchant the visitors, as Meghalaya opens its hills again for the global celebration of the art and nature. Day 1, November 14, will bring headline performances from international chart-toppers The Script and Jason Derulo, with dance and entertainment icon Nora Fatehi adding a high-energy set to the opening night. The day will also feature a strong line-up of local artists such as Dappest & adL, Zephyrtone, Walter Wahlang, Khasi Bloodz, Prismer, ALIVE, Larger Than 90, Bending Waves and others, giving the audience a blended experience of mixed global and local talents. The second day of the festival, November 15 will feature international heavyweights Tyga and Aqua, alongside a headline experience by global producer DJ Diplo and more of the Northeast’s finest artists such as Meba Ofilia, Girish & The Chronicles, Ahaia, G Hills Finest, Finding Mero, Dalariti, ARIUS, and more, including a specially curated Tribute to Zubeen Garg, acknowledging his contributions to the music world and to the region. Beyond the main stages, the festival this year will also include other activities including the Cherry Blossom Arm Fight, Karaoke Contest, Mechanical Bull, Zipline, Graffiti Contest, Cherry Blossom Cosplay Competition and other attractions. Visitors can also explore a wide range of local food stalls, craft displays, and merchandise …

Indian School of Hospitality welcomes close to two hundred school and professional counsellors to its Gurugram campus for the seventh edition of the Counsellors’ Retreat. The retreat takes place over four days this month and represents the largest national gathering of counsellors for hospitality and culinary education in India. The scale reflects a growing recognition of hospitality as a discipline that draws from culture, business, behaviour, design, food studies, and leadership. ISH presents its academic philosophy of liberal hospitality to counsellors who guide student choices across the country. Liberal hospitality places people, culture, experience, and curiosity at the centre of learning. It brings interdisciplinary rigor through subjects that include psychology, anthropology, communication, entrepreneurship, technology, and food studies. This approach prepares students to think, analyse, collaborate, and lead in India’s fast-growing service economy. The retreat features workshops, conversations, and specialised sessions that give counsellors a direct view of how ISH builds academic depth across hospitality and culinary arts. Faculty members present their teaching frameworks. Students share their learning journeys. Alumni reflect on their career pathways in hotels, restaurants, consumer brands, technology platforms, and service-led businesses. The sessions also include capability building workshops that support counsellors who advise students in an evolving career landscape shaped by new industries and new opportunities. The seventh edition marks an important moment for hospitality education in India. The participation of nearly ~125 counsellors signals a shift in how families and schools view hospitality and culinary arts. These fields now attract students who seek global careers and leadership roles in industries that rely on creativity, human connection, and interdisciplinary thinking. The retreat reinforces ISH’s long term vision of placing hospitality and culinary education inside India’s mainstream higher …

We are pleased to share that Vietnam Airlines, in collaboration with Aeroprime Group and Bangalore International Airport Ltd, recently hosted an exclusive Networking Lunch in Bengaluru on 12 November 2025, bringing together leading travel agents, tour operators, and media partners from South India. The event celebrated the airline’s growing partnership with India’s travel trade community and highlighted Vietnam’s rising appeal as a leisure and cultural destination.

Kerala Travel Mart Society, India’s premier tourism and hospitality industry body, has cautioned travellers  coming to the state against being cheated by online fraudsters, citing cases of those duped by some leading travel-agency websites, especially in Kochi and Kumaraokom. In a statement, KTM President Shri Jose Pradeep urged  international tourists and domestic holidayers to be “extremely cautious” about online deals, with the start of the in-bound tourism season setting in. There have been cases of fraudsters trying to mislead and extort guests, who have already done room reservation, through phone calls or text messages, particularly in major destinations like Kochi and Kumarakom. These fraudsters try to force the guests to pay advance payment. Guests, who disagree or backtrack, are being threatened with cancellation of the booking or offered higher-category rooms on immediate payment, KTM Society noted. Fraudsters typically collect money through QR codes or payment links after gaining trust by sending ID cards, which are fake, of hotel employees. “Several tourists have complained of losing huge sums. This has made us ( KTM) to issue a  message of extreme caution, “ Shri Jose Pradeep said. Before making any payment, it is ideal to call the official phone number of the hotel directly to verify the authenticity of the information,  Pradeep said. KTM’s member-hotels  have been cautioned against falling prey to such scams on their websites and vouchers. The 2000-founded KTM is Kerala’s biggest body of stakeholders in the state’s tourism.  

As Central Vietnam continues to emerge as a dynamic hub for business events and leisure travel, Four Points by Sheraton Danang has distinguished itself as a preferred choice for global travellers and MICE planners. At the forefront of this success is Ms. Lai Fong, Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing, whose leadership has strengthened the hotel’s reputation for personalized service, cultural sensitivity, and operational excellence. In this interview, Ms. Lai Fong shares insights into how the hotel seamlessly balances diverse guest segments, the strategic upgrades enhancing its event capabilities, and the unique offerings tailored for the rapidly expanding Indian MICE market. From authentic Indian cuisine to oceanfront venues and Marriott’s trusted service standards, she highlights what truly sets Four Points by Sheraton Danang apart as a reliable and rewarding destination for both corporate and leisure travellers. How do you balance business travellers, MICE groups, and leisure guests? We balance all segments by tailoring offerings to their needs while maintaining an equally welcoming atmosphere. Weekdays focus on business and MICE guests with seamless meetings, efficient service, and convenient dining. Weekends shift toward leisure travellers—couples, families, and friends—who enjoy walking to My Khe Beach and relaxing through themed buffets and curated recreational activities. Across all segments, we deliver consistent, personalized, and genuinely warm service. What recent investments have been made to enhance meeting and event facilities?  Our meeting venues undergo continuous upgrades to ensure top performance. Recent enhancements include improved AV systems for hybrid meetings and specialized cultural sensitivity training for our events team to support diverse groups. We personalize every detail—from returning guest preferences to customized setups, lighting, ambience, and menu presentation. Our culinary offerings now include vegan, gluten-free, halal, and …

Indian travelers are showing an impressive affinity for Central Florida, according to new research from the Experience Kissimmee team. The study sheds light on who these visitors are, what inspires their trips, and why Kissimmee continues to capture the imagination of travelers from one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound markets. The findings reveal that the average Indian visitor to the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford area in 2024 was between 35 and 39 years old, often travelling solo (70%) or with family and friends (18.6%). Middle-aged travelers with young children account for 32% of the market, planning their trips 89 days in advance and booking flights 41 days before departure. Shopping (82%), sightseeing (93%), and theme park visits (56%) top the list of favourite activities, while 23% of visitors also include Miami in their Florida itineraries. Digital influence significantly shapes travel plans. Travelers frequently turn to YouTube (95%), Instagram (92%), and Facebook (89%) as their most popular platforms. They often find inspiration in posts shared by friends and family. On average, Indian visitors stay for 31 nights, spending $4,339 per trip, and $5,838 per travel party. Key spending areas include accommodations (66.9%), food and beverage (12.5%), and recreation (1.6%). When it comes to accommodation, 85% of travelers choose hotels or motels for about six nights, while 8% opt for vacation homes, staying approximately 9 nights. Other key findings from the Experience Kissimmee research include: 60% rent a car during their stay, while 28% take domestic flights within the U.S.56% rely on airlines for vacation information, 49% on personal recommendations, and 9% on OTAs. Florida ranks third among the most desired U.S. states for Indian travelers, with peak interest in January and May. Indian visitors …