Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

According to a Thomas Cook India report, Indians from tier-II cities are driving faster growth in the travel industry, exploring both domestic and international destinations. It credits this trend to rising discretionary spending and improved connectivity. Indian travellers’ holiday budgets have surged by 20-50 per cent compared to previous years, it added.

Monish Shah, Founder & CEO, DreamSetGo, said that 80% of their travellers opt for customised packages. “Over the last few years, we’ve built a robust playbook for delivering world-class service at every event. We forge ties with global sports federations, top clubs, hotel providers to offer our fans official & premium access,” he said.

According to Skyscanner report, nearly 47 per cent of Indian travellers are choosing to experience live cricket matches over watching them on screens both domestically and internationally While 50 per cent are extending their match-day plans into short getaways, transforming their cricket pilgrimage into a perfect mix of sport and sightseeing.

In its latest India Holiday Report, Thomas Cook & SOTC Travel states that 85% of Indians are planning to increase their frequency of holidays and a significant number intending to boost budgets by up to 50%. Experiential and event-led travel such as polar/ icebreaker cruises, music concerts, global sporting events, wildlife safaris, gastronomy and vineyard trails, stargazing camps and phenomenon travel (Northern Lights, Cherry Blossom, Midnight Sun, etc.) are at the forefront of Indian travellers’ preferences. Phygital journeys, blending digital discovery with human touchpoints, continue to influence and drive bookings. Travellers are showing a clear inclination towards longer holidays – both domestic and international.”

Sharing the NTO’s plans for the India market, Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, Israel Ministry of Tourism, says, “India remains one of our most promising and priority markets for us. While 2024 saw a slower pace in inbound tourism with 9,600 arrivals, we are seeing early signs of recovery in 2025, with 3,600 Indian tourist entries recorded between January and April. Over the next two years, we aim to cross 100,000 Indian tourist arrivals, driven by improved connectivity, simplified visa, and curated experiences for families, luxury travellers, and film tourism.”

Launching the Maharashtra Convention Bureau, Indranil Naik, Minister of State for Tourism, says, “This marks a transformative moment for our state’s economic and cultural landscape. This initiative will serve as a catalyst across key sectors—from tourism and hospitality to higher education, manufacturing, and infrastructure. It will attract global thinkers, investors, and changemakers to Maharashtra, generating new opportunities for our youth, our entrepreneurs, and our communities. As Minister of State, I am proud to support this visionary step forward that will elevate Maharashtra as a premier destination not just for business, but for bold ideas and inclusive growth.”

Speaking about handling cancellations to Turkiye and Azerbaijan, Amit Thadani, Director of NiknAmiTravels, says, “We are working closely with airlines to secure full refunds where applicable and offering clients alternative travel options, ensuring minimal disruption to their plans. While our DMC partners on the ground have been extremely cooperative and supportive, challenges remain—particularly with some hotels not offering refunds for non-refundable bookings. We are addressing these complexities with our clients proactively and empathetically.”

IHCL announces the signing of a Gateway hotel in Nathdwara, Rajasthan. Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President – Real Estate & Development, IHCL, said, “Nathdwara offers a unique blend of spirituality, culture, and scenic beauty, making it an ideal destination for pilgrims and tourists. This signing is in line with IHCL’s strategy to expand in key spiritual hubs. We are delighted to partner with Mr. Madan Singh Chauhan for this project.” The 101-key Gateway Nathdwara, Rajasthan, spanning over 6 acres in the heart of the destination. Guests can indulge in culinary experiences at the all-day dining restaurant, and specialty restaurant. The hotel will feature banqueting facilities, including over 8,000 sq. ft. of indoor event space as well as an outdoor lawn spanning 10,000 sq. ft. Recreational facilities include a swimming pool and a fitness centre. Madan Singh Chauhan said, “We are delighted to partner with IHCL to introduce the Gateway brand to Nathdwara. This hotel will enhance the hospitality landscape of the temple town.” Nestled in the Aravalli Hills, Nathdwara is a prominent pilgrimage and tourist destination. While deeply spiritual, the town also draws visitors with its rich cultural heritage, serene surroundings, and traditional Rajasthani hospitality. With the addition of this hotel, IHCL will have 31 hotels in Rajasthan including 8 under development.  

FLY91 will soon have direct flights between Goa and Solapur, further strengthening its commitment to enhancing last-mile air connectivity across underserved regions in India. With this addition, FLY91 connects eight destinations across the country, including four in Maharashtra, namely Pune, Jalgaon, Sindhudurg and now, Solapur. Bookings for the Goa–Solapur route have gone live. By offering a safe, time-efficient and reliable mode of transport, FLY91 has made Goa’s vibrant tourism and Solapur’s spiritual and industrial potential easily accessible for travellers from both regions. Solapur, a key textile and industrial centre in south-western Maharashtra, also serves as the gateway to five pilgrimage sites in the state. With FLY91’s direct flights from Goa, travellers and pilgrims can now access religious and cultural heritage destinations such as Pandharpur (Vitthal-Rukmini Temple), Tuljapur (Tulja Bhavani Temple), Akkalkot (Swami Samarth Maharaj Temple), Gangapur (Sri Narasimha Saraswati Swami Math) and Bhimashankar Jyotirlinga. “The launch of the Goa–Solapur route will highlight FLY91’s focus on improving connectivity to traditionally underserved destinations,” said Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO of FLY91. “Solapur is not only a key centre of industry but also a critical node in Maharashtra’s pilgrimage circuit. Our flights will make it easier for pilgrims, as well as business and leisure travellers alike, to move between these regions comfortably,” he further stated.

MRG Group, a diversified business conglomerate with interests across real estate, premium hospitality, and infrastructure, has announced the elevation of Mr. Narahari Rao to the role of Chief Executive Officer. This leadership transition underscores the Group’s strategic focus on integrated growth, operational excellence, and long-term value creation. Mr. Rao, who has served as the Group’s Chief Financial Officer, brings over two decades of deep expertise in financial strategy, business planning, and cross-functional leadership. At MRG, he has played a critical role in institutionalising financial systems, driving cost optimisation, strengthening governance frameworks, and aligning capital strategies with business priorities. With extensive experience in hospitality operations and real estate development, Mr. Rao is known for his ability to align financial strategy with business vision. He has successfully led initiatives across profitability enhancement, capital productivity, cash flow management. His insights and leadership have supported MRG’s growth ambitions in Hospitality & Real Estate business reinforcing financial discipline. Prior to joining MRG, Mr. Narahari Rao held senior finance roles across prominent organisations including Colliers Property Services, Synergy Property Development Services Pvt. Ltd, Potential Project Managers Pvt. Ltd., and Kotak Mahindra Prime Ltd. As CEO, Mr. Rao will lead MRG’s overall strategic direction, integrating goals across verticals and accelerating performance in its core sectors. Mr. Narahari Rao, on his elevation, said: “I am deeply honoured by this opportunity and thankful to the leadership at MRG for placing their trust in me. This is more than a role — it’s a responsibility to lead a legacy built on values, vision, and resilience. As we enter a new phase of growth, my focus will be on strengthening our core, unlocking new potential, and building a culture where performance …