Air Astana launched its first-ever non-stop flight service connecting Kazakhstan’s Almaty with India’s financial capital, Mumbai. Operated using the airline’s Airbus A320 aircraft, the route marks a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Central Asia and India. This launch also coincides with the airline’s 20th anniversary in India, celebrating two decades of bridging people, cultures, and commerce.

IHCL signed the SeleQtions hotel in Anjuna, Goa, a conversion of a standalone resort with expansion of inventory to 51 keys. The hotel will offer an array of culinary experiences, including an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality restaurant, and a cocktail bar. Guests can unwind with a range of recreational amenities such as a swimming pool and a well-equipped gym.

As India becomes the third-largest domestic aviation market in the world, Mumbai is all set to host the Inter Passenger Terminal Show (IPTS 2025) at the Bombay Exhibition Centre on 11-12 June. The global debut of the event will showcase cutting-edge airport infrastructure and passenger experiences.

RateGain, in its latest ‘State of Car Rental’ report, revealed that 64% of operators rely heavily on competitor pricing, indicating reactive strategies and limited internal forecasting capabilities. Only 12% of operators actively use AI-driven pricing, it added.  

PATA in its new report, ‘The Evolving Tourism Workforce: Human Capital Development in APAC’ emphasised a critical need for better collaboration between the public and private sectors, as well as between academia and industry, particularly in preparing youth to enter the workforce with realistic expectations and future-ready skills.

According to new research from MakeMyTrip, 69% Indian travellers expressed their willingness to choose destinations that actively promote responsible travel, with an emphasis on local sustainability initiatives. Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman, MMT & Chairman, WTTCII, said, “The Market is ready, the challenge now is for the industry to provide the products and services that meet demand.”

Jonathan Heastie, Portfolio Director, Travel Sector, RX Global, said, “An upcoming ATM report sees an emerging middle-class in Asia, expected to comprise 24% of the global population by 2030. India is predicted to add 9 million households. Middle East remains a top choice due to religious, cultural and commercial ties.”

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Tourism Minister, GoI, said they will do their best to “minimise” the dent on tourism in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the attack. “I am in touch with everybody in J&K, and so is my office. Secretary, Tourism is taking regular updates from the UT’s Tourism Secretary and Chief Secretary”, he added.

Minor Hotels announces the arrival of the Avani Hotels & Resorts brand in India with Avani+ Sunray Beach Visakhapatnam Resort, an exclusive new-build resort and branded residences development set along the scenic Sunray Beach in Visakhapatnam, India. The project will feature 117 hotel rooms and 58 branded residential villas, alongside a suite of premium amenities designed to set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. The announcement comes as Minor Hotels significantly accelerates its expansion strategy in India, targeting 50 new openings in the country over the next decade.

StarCruises introduced a new lineup of shorter itineraries aboard the Star Voyager, sailing from both Singapore and Ho Chi Minh City. These carefully curated 3 Night and 4 Night voyages offer guests a convenient and flexible way to enjoy the magic of cruising—perfect for the school holidays in Singapore and Vietnam, first-time cruisers, families, busy professionals and spontaneous getaways.