Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

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 …

IndiGo has signed a codeshare agreement with Jetstar enabling its customers to connect seamlessly to Australia and New Zealand. The agreement, announced today, will allow IndiGo to place its code on Jetstar operated routes to these countries, providing a convenient option for IndiGo customers connecting via Singapore, Bangkok and Phuket.  This agreement simplifies travel for the customers of IndiGo by allowing the airline to place its code on Jetstar operated routes and enable convenient connections through Jetstar flights departing Asia for onward travel to cities including Sydney, the Gold Coast and Auckland.  These bookings can be made on IndiGo’s website from 21 July 2025 for travel from 01 September 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. Through this cooperation, IndiGo will be able to strengthen its connectivity into two key markets as the marketing carrier on Jetstar operated flights, enabling its customers to create a single booking for journeys from India to Australia and New Zealand across the combined network of both the airlines.This codeshare arrangement will allow IndiGo to provide seamless connections to its customers, besides enabling them to enjoy an integrated travel itinerary and through check-in of baggage among other benefits. Jetstar CEO, Stephanie Tully said, “The partnership between the two airlines will significantly boost inbound tourism from India. Australia and New Zealand’s unique attractions, world-class experiences and growing communities of Indian expats make both countries incredibly popular for travellers from the subcontinent. This new codeshare agreement will provide IndiGo customers with convenient access to our extensive network allowing them to take off more for less down under.” Abhijit Dasgupta, Senior Vice President – Network Planning & Revenue Management, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to expand the horizons and offer our customers convenient …

In a groundbreaking move for India’s sports and fan culture, DreamSetGo has launched Dream Icons – its signature IP that brings world’s greatest sporting legends face-to-face with Indian fans through bespoke, immersive experiences. As part of this initiative, DreamSetGo will host Usain Bolt on his first-ever multi-city tour to India this September.

Singapore Tourism Board will introduce its ‘Singapore DMC Trade Partner Fam Support Scheme’ on 1 August 2025. This pilot programme supports Singapore-based DMCs in hosting customised familiarisation trips for Indian agents. It aims to catalyse the development of new and distinctive Singapore itineraries by empowering Indian agents through their DMC partners.

WTTC’s Together in Travel initiative has spotlighted a powerful shift in Indian tourism—women-led travel businesses are leading a new era of innovation and inclusivity. WTTC calls this movement a ‘game-changer’ for tourism’s future, driving not only economic empowerment but also a more diverse and resilient sector ready to meet evolving traveller needs.

Rail Europe invites the Indian outbound travel trade to attend an exclusive webinar today about Trenitalia trains for clients who want to explore Rome, Florence, Venice and other hidden gems of Italy. Participate in the quiz for a chance to win exciting goodies! For more information, contact jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

While Rajasthan is admired for its arid grandeur, the monsoon breathes new life into its forts, lakes, and paintings. The rains bring refreshed flora, lowered temperatures, and a rare calm, making it the perfect season to explore in comfort and style. That’s why WelcomHeritage, India’s leading hotel chain, is excited to launch a curated set of Monsoon Escape Packages across its iconic Rajasthan properties, offering travellers a unique opportunity to experience the majestic desert state in the refreshing rains. Imagine watching dark clouds gather over the golden hues of WelcomHeritage Mandir Palace, sipping chai on the rooftops of WelcomHeritage Kalyan Bhawan, or walking through the misty blue streets seen from WelcomHeritage Bal Samand Lake Palace. At WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa, the monsoon hums through the trees while leopards take a stroll, and in WelcomHeritage Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat, the rain-laced wind whispers the tales of royalty long past. Each property, steeped in history and designed with soul, invites guests to slow down and soak in the simple joys of the season, rustling leaves, rain-kissed courtyards, soulful folk melodies, and the warm comfort of traditional Rajasthani hospitality. Rajasthan’s monsoon may be brief, but it is magical. Through these poetic escapes, WelcomHeritage captures the essence of that magic—a time when forts glisten, lakes shimmer, and history breathes gently through the rain. The packages starts with INR 6999 onwards including breakfasts, immersive cultural experiences, and monsoon-exclusive in-room amenities.

M/s N V Hospitality, a respected hospitality firm based in Bhuj, proudly announces its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company by number of properties, to develop a new hotel under the Ramada Encore by Wyndham brand in the heart of Gujarat’s Kutch region. The upcoming Ramada Encore by Wyndham Bhuj will be a greenfield development featuring 50 guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, meeting facilities, spa, swimming pool, and a range of modern amenities tailored to today’s leisure and business travelers. The project is currently in the planning phase and is expected to open in 2028. Bhuj, a culturally rich and historic city in Gujarat’s Kutch district, is renowned for its vibrant handicrafts, desert landscapes, and architectural heritage. As the gateway to the Rann of Kutch, Bhuj attracts a growing number of tourists, particularly during the celebrated Rann Utsav festival. The city is well-connected by air, with direct flights to Mumbai and Delhi, and is easily accessible by road from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and Gandhidham. Mr. Niraj Prakash Vazirani, Partner, M/s N V Hospitality, said: “Bringing the Ramada Encore brand to Bhuj is a meaningful step in our journey to enhance the hospitality offerings of the region. This partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts enables us to combine international standards with local culture, and we’re proud to contribute to Bhuj’s continued growth as a tourism and commercial destination.” Mr. Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director, Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, added: “Bhuj represents a significant addition to our network of emerging destinations across Eurasia. It’s a city that blends tradition, art, and resilience—and we’re excited to contribute to its evolution with a hotel that offers both …

Evoke Experiences has officially announced the return of Rann Utsav – The Tent City, with the upcoming season scheduled to open on 23 October 2025 and run until 4 March 2026. This annual celebration of Gujarat’s cultural and natural heritage continues to grow in scale and depth, offering a truly immersive experience amidst the surreal landscape of the White Rann. Evoke Experiences will not only operate and manage The Tent City but will also take charge of its marketing, branding, and entertainment segments. The integrated approach ensures that every aspect of the visitor experience, from stay to storytelling, is curated with consistency and care, reflecting the unique spirit of the region. The 2025 edition places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with several initiatives introduced to minimise environmental impact while enhancing operational efficiency. These include the use of eco-friendly tents, improved waste management practices, installation of plastic crusher machines to curb single-use plastics, widespread adoption of LED lighting, and ongoing cleanliness drives within the White Desert area. Together, these efforts reinforce the commitment to responsible tourism in one of India’s most fragile and iconic ecosystems. Cultural and experiential engagement also sees significant enhancement this season. Guests can look forward to live art demonstrations, film screenings under the desert sky, dedicated zones for personalised celebrations, and hands-on workshops in traditional arts and crafts. These elements have been thoughtfully designed to allow visitors a deeper connection with Kutch’s creative traditions and community life. The festival’s itinerary has been further extended to include Mandvi, a coastal town known for its historic charm, and will also offer assisted bookings for curated packages that combine Rann Utsav with visits to Dholavira, the ancient Harappan archaeological site. …

In a move to enhance hospitality offerings in one of India’s most revered pilgrimage cities, Majestic Om is pleased to announce its partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company, to develop Ramada Encore by Wyndham Haridwar Jwalapur. The 82-room hotel, a brownfield redevelopment project, is slated to open in 2026. Located in Jwalapur, a key locality in Haridwar, the upcoming hotel will cater to the needs of domestic and international pilgrims as well as leisure and business travelers. The property is set to offer modern guest rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, meeting spaces, and essential amenities tailored to the expectations of today’s discerning guests. Mr. Vasudev Agarwal, Partner at Majestic Om, said: “We’re proud to partner with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to bring the Ramada Encore brand to Haridwar. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of enhancing hospitality in spiritual destinations through globally recognized, quality-driven accommodations. With Haridwar’s growing visitor numbers, we believe this hotel will meet the rising demand for reliable, international-standard stays and support the city’s tourism ecosystem.” Rahool Macarius, Market Managing Director – Eurasia, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “Haridwar is one of North India’s most significant spiritual and cultural destinations. We are excited to partner with Majestic Om to bring Ramada Encore by Wyndham to the city. This signing is part of our broader strategy to expand thoughtfully into emerging cities across India.” This development marks another important step in Wyndham’s continued expansion into India’s high-growth secondary markets, reinforcing its commitment to delivering trusted hospitality experiences across both spiritual and leisure destinations. With 25 brands, approximately 9,300 hotels, 907,000 rooms in over 95 countries, and more than 115 million Wyndham Rewards® …