Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

According to Skyscanner, 96% of Indian travellers plan to travel the same or more this summer, with 95% prioritising maximising their summer vacations. A notable trend is the growing preference for quieter, less-crowded destinations, chosen by over 52% of Indians. This shift, along with rising interest in off-season travel, reflects a move towards more mindful and crowd-free holiday experiences. 

In a joint visit led by MTOA, key travel associations including ADTOI, TAAI, TAFI, OTOAI and IATO met Farooq and Omar Abdullah in Kashmir to discuss tourism revival. “The situation is normal with most experiences open,” said Dharmendra Singh, Chairman-Maharashtra Chapter, ADTOI. “Inquiries have started, and I believe things will improve by June-July,” he added. 

Julia Simpson, President and CEO, WTTC, revealed India’s travel sector reached ₹21 trillion in 2024, driven by ₹3.1 trillion international and ₹15.5 trillion domestic spending. For 2025, spending is forecast at ₹3.2 trillion international and ₹16.8 trillion domestic, with overall contribution expected to hit ₹22 trillion. By 2035, the sector may nearly double to ₹42 trillion. 

WelcomHeritage champions responsible tourism, seamlessly blending sustainability with cultural preservation. Each of our properties is committed to environmentally conscious practices, reflecting our profound respect for India’s heritage and natural ecosystems. We don’t just advocate for sustainable living—we embody it. Many of our hotels have eliminated single-use plastics, adopted eco-friendly alternatives, and actively reduce food waste through mindful consumption. For instance, WelcomHeritage Cheetahgarh Resort & Spa, Jawai and WelcomHeritage Maharani Bagh Orchard Retreat, Ranakpur are prime examples of our dedication to organic farming, sourcing local produce to ensure both authenticity and sustainability in their kitchens. We work closely with local communities, safeguarding their traditions while fostering meaningful employment and engagement at the destination level. Our commitment to clean energy and resource conservation is evident through features like electric vehicle charging stations at properties such as WelcomHeritage Santa Roza, Kasauli and WelcomHeritage Parv Vilas Resort & Spa, Solan. We also prioritize eco-friendly dry amenities to minimize plastic use and have implemented solar energy panels for conservation in many properties. This World Environment Day, we reaffirm our pledge to not only protect our environment but also to celebrate and safeguard the cultural and natural legacy of India for generations to come. At WelcomHeritage, every stay contributes to a more sustainable and culturally rich future.

As Indian travellers seek destinations that offer authenticity, natural charm, and unforgettable experiences, Taiwan Tourism proudly introduces Penghu – an island paradise that remains one of Asia’s most enchanting secrets. Located in the azure waters of the Taiwan Strait, Penghu is a captivating cluster of 90 islands and islets that weave together centuries-old culture, stunning geological formations, and vibrant marine life. With its white-sand beaches, basalt cliffs, historic temples, and wind-carved landscapes, Penghu is a picturesque blend of tranquility and thrill – offering something for every traveller. Paul Shih, Director, TTA Singapore Office said, “Penghu is where stories of wind and waves come alive. It’s a destination that balances peace with pulse – ideal for Indian tourists looking to move beyond the usual and explore the exceptional.” When:  May 05, 2025~Jul 29, 2025 Where: Guanyinting Recreation Area, No. 7, Jieshou Rd, Magong City, Penghu County, Taiwan 880 Why: To celebrate culture, connection, and the global spirit of travel through breathtaking firework displays, oceanfront festivities, and immersive island experiences. Highlights of Penghu – A Destination That Surprises: Island Hopping by Sea: Glide across crystal waters to explore fishing villages, coral islets, and dramatic coastlines. Basalt Landscapes: Marvel at natural basalt columns, a rare volcanic phenomenon, and geological treasure. Penghu Fireworks Festival: A summertime spectacle that lights up the night sky – a perfect backdrop for romantic escapes or family travel. Wind Lion Gods & Cultural Trails: Dive into local folklore with centuries-old sculptures, Taoist temples, and unique rituals. Fresh Seafood & Night Markets: Relish Penghu’s culinary culture with delicacies like cactus ice cream, flying fish roe sushi, and oyster noodles. With growing awareness of Taiwan’s emerging destinations, the Taiwan Tourism Administration …

Thomas Cook (India) has announced a strategic partnership with Muthoot Forex, the foreign exchange division of the Muthoot Group, one of India’s largest financial services conglomerates, to expand the reach of its Borderless Travel and Study Buddy Cards. Through this collaboration, both prepaid forex cards will now be available across Muthoot’s extensive network of 7,000+ branches, including 43 full-fledged forex branches – across India’s metros, mini-metros and Tier 2-4 source markets. Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President – Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India), said, “At Thomas Cook India, we are committed to making our forex card solutions smooth, seamless and rewarding for our customers. Our alliance with The Muthoot Group leverages our powerful synergies—combining our expertise in travel and foreign exchange with Muthoot’s extensive network across India’s tier 1-4 source markets. Through this partnership, we aim to bring our Borderless Travel and Study Buddy cards closer to consumers across India’s metros and regional markets, making international travel and study abroad even more convenient  and accessible.” Product USPs: 1)   Borderless Travel: Thomas Cook’s pre-paid Borderless Travel Card is a smart, secure, and convenient solution for India’s outbound leisure travellers: Supports12 global currencies for seamless international transactions and access to over 70 million Mastercard and Visa merchant establishments in over 200 countries Free emergency cash assistance and card replacement (for lost/stolen cards) Complimentary International global SIM card Secure with embedded chip & pin security; complimentary insurance cover up to ₹7.5 lakh* Complimentary Airport meet & greet, free lounge access and porter services at select international airports in India* Exclusive 25% discount on select attractions and unique experiences* Earn 1,000 Thomas Cook Edge Reward Points on loading USD 1,000 (or equivalent) and up to 500 points on …

IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic announced plans to build an industry-leading partnership connecting India with Europe and North America, with ambitions to grow to a global scale. India, one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, is at the heart of this collaboration. By linking IndiGo’s extensive domestic network with Delta’s strength in North America and the transatlantic, the extensive reach of Air France-KLM in Europe and North America, and the U.K. and transatlantic presence of Virgin Atlantic, the partnership is poised to offer travelers broader access, smoother journeys, and a more consistent experience across continents. Linking dozens of cities in the United States, Canada, Europe and India, the airlines aim to meet rising demand for international travel while setting new standards for connectivity and cooperation in global aviation. Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo said: “IndiGo has embarked on an ambitious journey to become a global airline by 2030. This partnership represents another important milestone to pursue commercial synergies, operational excellence and innovation. This announcement not only expands our relationship with Air France–KLM and Virgin Atlantic but also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we welcome Delta Airlines as a valued partner. We are particularly excited to start our long-haul expansion from this Summer and connect with our partners’ networks to provide greater access to Europe and North America. This strategic partnership enables a compelling combined customer proposition in the form comprehensive intercontinental connectivity, seamless experience and great loyalty value. It also lays the groundwork for us to exchange best practices in areas of technology, operational excellence and service delivery.”

It has to make the longest and highest flight. And this flight will not only cross global borders but will also take the world in the direction of sustainability, green mobility, and equitable access. Friends, the handling capacity of our airports has reached 500 million passengers every year. India is one of the few countries in the world that is setting new standards for user experience through technology. We are focusing on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. We are moving towards sustainable aviation fuels.        

Air India and Air Mauritius have expanded their existing codeshare partnership to offer travelers improved connectivity across the Indian Subcontinent and the African region. The two airlines signed the expanded codeshare agreement on the sidelines of the 81st IATA AGM in New Delhi, in the presence of Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, and Kishore Beegoo, Chairman, Air Mauritius. As part of the strengthened bilateral codeshare agreement, Air India and Air Mauritius will place their designator codes on a total of 17 routes between India, Mauritius, Réunion, South Africa, and Madagascar. With the enhanced codeshare partnership, Air India will place its ‘AI’ designator code on Air Mauritius flights to and from Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, and Antananarivo in Madagascar, for Air India guests to seamlessly travel to these cities via Mauritius on a single ticket and baggage checked through to their final destination. Air India already codeshares on Air Mauritius flights between Mauritius and Mumbai, Delhi, and Réunion. Air Mauritius currently places its ‘MK’ designator code on Air India flights between Mumbai and Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Goa, Delhi and Bengaluru, Chennai. As part of the enhanced codeshare, Air Mauritius will place its ‘MK’ designator code on Air India flights between Mauritius and Mumbai. Thus, all flights operated by Air India and Air Mauritius between the two countries will have each other’s designator codes, thereby multiplying flight options for customers of either carrier. Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, said: “India is one of the largest tourism source markets for destinations in Southern Africa, including Mauritius and South Africa, as well as a strong trade partner to the region.This expanded codeshare partnership …

As per trends observed by IATO and discussion with every other FTA (Foreign Tourist Arrival) stakeholder, it is assessed by the body that FTA in India has not still not touched the 2019 level in the last financial year . While the importance of Inbound Tourism as a precious Foreign Exchange earner and Soft Diplomacy Tool cannot be over emphasised, India as a destination with such raw and natural beauty is performing way below its potential. To step up, IATO has written to PM where it has urged immediate budgetary allocation of Rs 1000 crore under Incredible India Campaign and formation of “India Tourism Board” under the PM’s leadership with the specific objective of increasing FTA’s. These measures are required as the coming season is a few months away and can help boost inbound tourism in this financial year. Ravi Gosain, President, IATO, says, “When global trade is facing unprecedented disruptions due to tariff wars and geopolitical shifts, tourism exports remain unaffected by such constraints. Unlike goods, India’s tourism export (i.e. foreign tourists spending in India), which is non-tariff based, brings direct foreign exchange earnings into the country. This positions inbound tourism as a stable, sustainable, and immediate contributor to India’s current account with valuable foreign exchange, employment generation and balances forex trade deficit. Yet , regretfully the country is lagging in its effort to attract foreign tourists”. Considering every foreign visitor to India becomes an ambassador of Indian culture, heritage, values and the immense multiplier impact it has in terms of employment generator and net revenue it earns, we still have not valued it as much as we should have. This sector alone has the potential to contribute 1-2 …