Category Archives: Breaking News (All Categories)

Highlighting that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming the go-to tool for Indians, Mohit Joshi, Travel & Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said, “A remarkable 84% of Indian travellers feel confident using AI tools for planning and booking their travels, with 52% using them for destination research, 50% for flight bookings, 48% for comparing flight and hotel options, and 46% seeking destination inspiration.”

Switzerland Tourism is organising an exclusive webinar today at 3 pm highlighting Schilthorn. At 2970m above sea level, the summit offers a stunning 360-degree view of the surrounding region and a plethora of experiences. Attend all webinars and get a chance to win a trip to Switzerland in 2026! For more information, write to jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.

Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has signed a hotel management agreement with Primex Realty Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of publicly listed property developer Primex Corporation, to manage Dusit Greenhills Manila in San Juan City, Metro Manila, Philippines. Set to open at the end of 2026, this sophisticated upper-upscale urban retreat will feature 200 guest rooms and world-class facilities across the top 10 floors of Primex Tower, a landmark 50-story mixed-use development in an affluent residential district, just 45 minutes by car from Manila International Airport. The tallest skyscraper in the area, the tower will also house premium retail and office spaces, further enhancing its appeal as a premier destination for business and leisure travellers. Alongside Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired gracious hospitality, guests will have the opportunity to savour award-winning Thai cuisine at Benjarong, enjoy international favourites at the all-day dining restaurant, take in breathtaking skyline views from the rooftop bar, unwind by the rooftop swimming pool, and stay active at the gym. The hotel will also feature a ballroom with spectacular city views and fully equipped meeting rooms, providing an ideal setting for business and social events. For added convenience, guests will enjoy easy access to Greenhills Mall, San Juan’s premier shopping and dining destination. “We are delighted to partner with Primex Realty Corporation to bring our unique brand of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the heart of San Juan City,” said Gilles Cretallaz, Chief Operating Officer, Dusit International. “With its prime location and seamless access to shopping, dining, and business hubs, Dusit Greenhills Manila will be ideally positioned to serve discerning travellers and local residents alike. With nine more properties in the pipeline set …

Trafalgar recently conducted an engaging presentation for the travel trade in Bengaluru and Kolkata, providing key product updates and exclusive deals for the upcoming season. The training session, held in collaboration with Ottila and Rail Europe, received an enthusiastic response from agents, offering valuable insights and opportunities to them. Trafalgar also interacted with the travel trade in Guwahati, providing key product updates and exclusive deals for the upcoming season. The training session, held in collaboration with Rail Europe, received an enthusiastic response from the Guwahati travel fraternity, offering valuable insights and opportunities for the attending agents.

To further elevate Singapore’s presence in India, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), Changi Airport Group (CAG), and Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) have announced a year-long partnership, marking their first-ever tripartite collaboration focused on the Indian market. This partnership will run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, and is established to amplify Singapore’s brand visibility, foster deeper engagement with India’s travel trade, and boost awareness of drive excitement around Sentosa’s wide range of offerings and enhance Singapore’s positioning as a global aviation hub. The collaboration will focus on introducing refreshed experiences in Singapore, with a special emphasis on targeting higher-yield Indian travellers. It will also include the Friends of Singapore Fellowship (FOSF) programme, which will bring 30 influential Indian digital content creators to Singapore. These influencers will create engaging, shareable content that highlights curated experiences across Singapore, including Sentosa Island, and Changi Airport, to shape a refreshed and exciting image of Singapore in the eyes of Indian consumers. Juliana Kua, Assistant Chief Executive, International Group, Singapore Tourism Board said: “Building on the success of our roadshows and the strong interest from the Indian market, this tripartite partnership with Changi Airport Group and Sentosa Development Corporation will help us drive deeper engagement and create memorable experiences for Indian travellers. It reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening the ties between Singapore and India, while presenting new opportunities for the travel trade to explore and share.”

Star Cruises, the revitalised successor of the legendary Star Cruises brand, alongside the iconic Dream Cruises brand, has officially relaunched its legacy with a grand ceremonial event aboard the Star Voyager in Singapore. This marks the beginning of a thrilling new chapter for both brands, which has over 30 years of history, now revitalized with a fresh and innovative vision for the future of cruising. The launch of both brands coincided with the Star Voyager‘s maiden voyage under the StarCruises banner with a US$ 50 million refit of the ship, sailing out from the Singapore Cruise Centre (SCC). Singapore will serve as a key homeport as well as a destination, alongside Jakarta, Melaka, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City, fostering tourism across these cities, while offering passengers flexible embarkation options from multiple ports and countries. “We are thrilled and honoured to return to our roots with the launch of the revitalized StarCruises and Dream Cruises brands, offering an enhanced cruising experience. To celebrate this milestone, we are also excited to introduce the Star Voyager, as she embarks on her maiden voyage from Singapore, exploring the wonders of Southeast Asia,” said Michael Goh, President of StarCruises and Dream Cruises.

From May, SkyTeam member Vietnam Airlines will introduce two new nonstop routes from Hanoi to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, operated by its two-class Airbus A321 aircraft with recliner seats in business class. Hanoi – Bengaluru is launching on 1 May with four weekly flights – each Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday. Hanoi – Hyderabad is launching 8 May with three weekly flights operating every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Vietnam Airlines says these new routes reflect its ongoing commitment to offering convenient travel options and strengthening cultural and economic ties between Vietnam and India.

Novotel Group opens its 124-key Novotel Delhi City Centre in New Delhi, offering exceptional connectivity and convenience. The hotel caters to travellers seeking a seamless blend of comfort & eco-conscious design. Garth Simmons, COO, Accor Asia, said, “The opening marks another significant step in Accor’s expansion in India. It underscores our commitment to offering world-class amenities and sustainable practices, delivering exceptional experiences for both business and leisure travelers.”

Sharing a new development, Dev Karvat, Founder & CEO, Asego, says, “We will soon start our new SmartEdge programme across the country, where we will train the agency counter staff on new products and how they can upsell new products to help with conversions. We intend to start this from April 2025 and we are currently mapping the cities. We intend to do this over the next 6 to 12 months in about 30 to 40 cities across India.”

Los Angeles Tourism is back with Series 2 of its exclusive webinar for the travel trade today at 3 PM IST. Get the latest updates from our partners on the city’s top offerings and experiences. Participate in the quiz and win Amazon gift vouchers. For more information or to register, please contact Jaspreet Kaur at jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or 9650196532.