Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

According to RBI, overseas spending by Indians rose 8.5% to nearly $2.5 billion in April, up from around $2.3 billion last year. With RBI’s remittance scheme permitting Indians to spend or transfer up to $250,000 abroad every year, travel continues to dominate and financial investments are seeing a sharp rise.

India’s first Wedding and MICE Conclave will be held in Kochi from August 14–16. Organised by Kerala Travel Mart Society with the Tourism Department, it aims to promote Kerala as a premier destination. PA Mohamed Riyas, Minister, Kerala Tourism said, “The conclave aims to tap Kerala’s potential in this fast-growing segment, leveraging the state’s unique advantages to transform it into a global MICE and wedding tourism hub.” 

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) has launched an initiative called TAAI DMC Connect to connect global DMCs, tourism boards and authorities with its outbound tour operators across India. With a network of over 2,000 members, it aims to promote destinations and boost clients’ businesses. 

Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego, said, “There has been a clear increase in demand for comprehensive, top-tier travel protection plans. Travellers are now asking more informed questions, they want to know exactly what scenarios are covered, especially around medical emergencies. Many are upgrading medical coverage limits and actively opting for benefits, relevant to their destinations.  This growing awareness indicates that travel insurance is not considered as just a visa requirement anymore but a quintessential part of trip planning.” 

India has ranked 99th out of 167 nations in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Index, marking its first entry into the top 100. The UN Sustainable Development Report noted India’s score improved to 67 from last year’s 64. While global progress is stagnating, India and several Asian nations have shown steady gains in socioeconomic indicators since 2015. 

CB Ramkumar, Vice Chair, GSTC, said, “After Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya and Madhya Pradesh are also showing interest in sustainability and we are actively conducting training and awareness programs with local tourism boards and officials. We have offered to work with these states to operationalise their policies, provide training.”

Arjun Oberoi, Executive Chairman, Oberoi Group, said, “The group is set for expansion into new markets, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, while maintaining a strong focus on the domestic Indian market.” The group delivered one of its strongest performances in FY2025. The hotel chain aims to capitalise on the growing premium travel segment.

Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) joined hands with Nexus DMC, launching the innovative NEXTAAl platform. This collaborative effort aims to revolutionise the travel industry, offering unparalleled benefits and opportunities to the association’s members. The aim is to empower travel excellence through this strategic partnership.

In a significant policy shift, VK Saxena, LG, Delhi has withdrawn the requirement for police-issued licences and NOCs for 7 trade categories, including hotels, motels, guest houses & eating houses. K B Kachru, President, HAI, hailed it as a landmark decision, stating it would boost Delhi’s appeal as a competitive & investment-friendly hospitality hub.

Priority Pass, owned and operated by Collinson International, announced its partnership with the Chennai Bulls Team, which sees them become the ‘Official Airport Lounge Partner’. The strategic collaboration kicks off at India’s inaugural rugby sevens league, which began in Mumbai on 15 June 2025. The league makes history by being the first of its kind in the country to take place in the sevens format, featuring six teams of elite international rugby talents alongside top-tier players from India, including the Chennai Bulls. As part of its ongoing commitment towards supporting athlete wellness, Priority Pass will be providing a one-year Prestige Membership to every player and coach of the Chennai Bulls Team. This membership will enable the team to gain unlimited access to more than 1,700 airport lounges and travel experiences in over 725 airports across 145 countries, including 70 in India. Commenting on the partnership with the Chennai Bulls Team, Todd Handcock, Global Chief Commercial Officer and Asia Pacific Executive Chair, Collinson International, said, “India’s inaugural rugby sevens league marks a significant step toward establishing rugby as a premier sport in India, while supporting aspiring athletes; and as such, we are thrilled to be supporting the Chennai Bulls. By providing the team with access to Priority Pass’ airport lounges and travel experiences when travelling domestically within India as well as globally, we hope that they can enjoy a better rest before their flights and arrive at their destinations feeling more refreshed and ready to perform at their best.” Gaurav Goyal, Chennai Bulls, India Lead said, “We are thankful for Priority Pass’ dedication and support for our athletes as they embark on this milestone competition. This valued partnership will greatly enhance the travel experience for our teams, significantly easing …