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STB, Changi Airport Group and Sentosa collaborate to boost marketing in India

To further elevate Singapore’s presence in India, theSingapore 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.” Lim Ching Kiat, Executive Vice President, Air Hub and Cargo Development, Changi Airport Group said: “India is an important market to Changi Airport. With as many as 17 city links between Singapore and India, Changi Airport is the most connected hub to India within Southeast Asia. Together with STB and SDC, we aim to provide travellers with exceptional experiences from their first touchpoint at Changi Airport to the many places of interest in our exciting city.” Michael Ma, Assistant Chief Executive (Business & Digital Technology Group), Sentosa Development Corporation said: “Sentosa remains a strong draw for our Indian travellers, and to further enhance our attractiveness, Sentosa will open a range of new experiences this year. They include the newly opened Illumination’s Minion Land and the iconic Raffles Sentosa Singapore, which we hope to inspire guests to create new moments and memories on Sentosa. The iconic Sentosa Sensoryscape also recently celebrated its first anniversary, with the additional of a new augmented reality feature – a mystical island guardian that entices guests on an enchanting journey of discovery. We look forward to welcoming our Indian friends to Sentosa’s sunny shores soon.” 2025: A Milestone Year for India-Singapore Relations This collaboration coincides with a momentous milestone year, as 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Singapore. To celebrate, STB has launched the Just Between Us Friends programme, offering exclusive deals and discounts for Indian travellers who flash their passports at iconic Singaporean retailers like Jewel Changi Airport, ION Orchard, Paragon and Capitaland malls, as well as offers through Changi Airport Group and Singapore Airlines. Indian travellers can also redeem a sweet treat when they visit Sentosa, and Disney-themed surprises at Mustafa Centre. This initiative aims to deepen connections with Indian tourists and entice them to explore more of Singapore during their visit.  Record-Breaking B2B Roadshow The announcement of this tripartite comes on the heels of STB’s biggest B2B roadshow to date, which took place across Mumbai, Chandigarh, and Bengaluru. The event saw 63 exhibitors, a notable increase from last year’s 50, including hotels, airlines, cruise lines, and destination management companies. The roadshow, which drew over 700 travel professionals in attendance across three cities, underscored the growing interest in Singapore as a leading holiday destination among Indian consumers. With 1.2 million visitors from India in 2024, a nearly 12% increase from the previous year, Singapore is well-positioned to capture an even larger share of India’s outbound tourism market. The roadshow also saw STB’s debut in Chandigarh as part of its effort to expand its reach beyond India’s metropolitan hubs. The Union Territory has emerged as a growing source of potential travel growth, especially with a rising number of Chandigarh-based travellers seeking short-haul holidays and new overseas experiences. “This event has energised us about the destination’s appeal and array of offerings for our customers, and has reinforced our commitment to promoting Singapore itineraries,” said Gagandeep Singh, Assistant General Manager, Antilog Vacations, Chandigarh. As STB continues its strong push to boost its marketing and build deeper trade connections with India, this tripartite partnership signals STB's strong focus and emphasis on India as a key source market for Singapore’s tourism. It highlights STB’s continued commitment to boosting its marketing efforts and building deeper trade connections with India.    

Airlines and Aviation

With time Indian aviation’s critical mass will be in India: Campbell Wilson

  Speaking at the Skift India Forum Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India said that the fundamental constraint for Indian aviation in recent years was not deploying more capacity. Local carriers now have more than 1,000 aircraft on order. Air India and IndiGo  are ordering widebody aircraft for international operations, as well as hundreds of smaller jets. "I think that's a good thing because it's bringing the focus of Indian travel back onto Indian soil, and all of the spin-off economic benefits that brings tourism to airports, caterers, hoteliers and everything else," Wilson said. I think the power is in our hands," said Air India CEO Campbell Wilson. "As time goes on, more and more of Indian aviation's critical mass will be in India," he added, while acknowledging that aircraft supply constraints will be determined by external partners. Air India loyalty with the Maharaja Club On the potential of the airline's loyalty program, the Maharaja Club, Wilson confirmed that Air India Express will be integrated into the loyalty program "probably sometime this year." Wilson highlighted that the Maharaja Club already has 10 million members and it's adding around 300,000 more every month, describing the upside as "huge." He said that work was being done to make the program competitive and more customer friendly. “ Air India frequent flyer will be the second currency of India," Wilson said. Air India and AI Wilson sharing his take on AI would said that it would be used for "augmentation," not "substitution." Issuing refunds and training pilots, cabin crew and ground staff would be areas where gen AI would be a fit, Wilson said. "The number of procedures a ground staff needs to remember, a cabin crew needs to remember, a pilot needs to remember, gen AI can aggregate, synthesize and present a very concise answer based on your tens of thousands of pages of SOP and policy," Wilson concluded.  

Airlines and Aviation

Thales celebrates opening of new avionics MRO centre in Gurugram, India

Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, inaugurating Thales’s MRO centre in Gurugram in the presence of Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President, Avionics, Thales; Thomas Got, Vice President, Aviation Global Services; Damien Syed, Deputy Chief of Mission, French Embassy; and Gilles Bono, Vice President, Thales in India   This facility will offer comprehensive avionics maintenance and repair services to leading Indian airlines, such as Air India and IndiGo, directly supporting the growth of the local aviation industry. Thales celebrated the opening of its new avionics MRO facility in Gurugram, near the New Delhi airport. Aligned with the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (‘self-reliant India’), this centre will provide a wide range of services, including the maintenance & repair of avionics components, to prominent Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo. This new repair hub draws on Thales’s expertise as a global leader in the aerospace industry, providing premium support and services to airline customers in India. The inauguration was held in the presence of the Honourable Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu. The event was graced by Mr. Damien Syed, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of France in India, along with senior Government officials and eminent dignitaries from the French Embassy and the industry. The Thales team was led by Yannick Assouad, Executive Vice President, Avionics, Thomas Got, Vice President, Aviation Global Services and Gilles Bono, Vice President, India. This occasion marks a milestone in Thales’s continued investment strategy in India’s rapidly expanding aviation market. Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, Minister of Civil Aviation, Government of India said: “My heartfelt appreciation goes to Thales for setting up this dedicated facility in India to provide onshore MRO services to our airlines. Taking a tour of the facility and seeing it firsthand, I must say that I am deeply impressed by the meticulous planning and innovation that have gone into creating this centre. I believe the inauguration of this advanced avionics MRO centre marks a significant milestone for Indian aviation and a proud moment for Thales in India. This facility exemplifies our collective commitment to building a self-reliant India and a self-reliant aviation ecosystem under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi Ji. Thales stands out as a shining example of Indo-French collaboration, we must together leverage India’s vast talent pool and facilitate India’s rapidly growing aviation market.” Thomas Got, Vice President Aviation Global Services, Thales, said: “India’s MRO industry is set for significant growth, becoming a key region for airlines. We are proud to inaugurate our Thales Maintenance and Repair Centre in India. This highlights our localisation efforts to bring our technological and avionics repair expertise closer to airline customers. The Gurugram centre is backed by the power of a global support and services organisation, and aligns with Thales’s strategy to expand its presence in India.”

Global

GHA DISCOVERY grows by 18% in 2024 to 623,000 members in India

Empty infinity pool on rooftop terrace of Leela Palace Hotel overlooking New Delhi, India   India’s luxury travel sector experiences unprecedented growth, Global Hotel Alliance and two of its hotel brands – The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts and Minor Hotels – have reaffirmed their commitment to the market, unveiling new initiatives to elevate the country’s high-end hospitality landscape. India is a key development market for GHA, with GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme membership in the country growing by 18% in 2024 to 623,000 members. The Leela and Minor Hotels are both tapping into this demand with new luxury offerings appealing to high-end Indian travellers. In a notable shift, international spend by Indian GHA DISCOVERY members (54%) surpassed domestic revenue (46%) for the first time, with Thailand, the UAE, and Singapore as the top international destinations. The Indian travel market’s significant growth potential was highlighted at two events staged in Delhi this week, with GHA citing recent research and The Leela and Minor Hotels discussing their market strategies and development plans. Speaking at the Skift India Forum on 18th March, Chris Hartley, CEO, GHA, and Anuraag Bhatnagar, CEO, The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts, revealed how luxury hotel brands are responding to India’s burgeoning demand for premium experiences. The conversation continued at a press briefing hosted at The Leela Palace, New Delhi the following day, where Hartley, Bhatnagar and Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels, highlighted India’s growing influence in global travel and luxury hospitality. These discussions explored key trends, including evolving guest preferences, the impact of loyalty programmes, and the future of ultra-luxury hospitality. “The rapid growth of India’s luxury travel market is reflected in the soaring engagement of Indian travellers with our brands worldwide,” said Hartley. “With record-breaking stay revenue and membership growth in 2024, we are committed to enriching their experiences through an ever-expanding portfolio of world-class hotels and innovative travel benefits.” Introducing The Leela’s new ultra-luxury concept: Arq by The Leela The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts continues to set new benchmarks for luxury with the introduction of Arq at Pichola - an exclusive collection of ultra-luxury villa spaces designed as the ultimate escape for discerning elite from around the world. Debuting at The Leela Palace Udaipur, Arq offers an intimate collection of exclusive accommodations, blending Indian heritage with modern sophistication. This evolution aligns with the growing aspirations of affluent Indian and global travellers seeking tailored, high-end experiences. “India is at the forefront of a new era in luxury hospitality, driven by its dynamic economy, cultural richness and a discerning new generation of travellers seeking immersive experiences. With Arq, we are elevating ultra-luxury to unprecedented levels by creating bespoke sanctuaries that blend India’s timeless heritage with innovation. As the country cements its position as a premier luxury destination, The Leela remains committed to setting new benchmarks and shaping the future of luxury hospitality on a global stage,” said Anuraag Bhatnagar, Chief Executive Officer of The Leela Palaces, Hotels and Resorts. Minor Hotels expands in India with Anantara’s debut Minor Hotels recently made its foray into India, launching its first luxury property, Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, in November 2024. The luxury retreat marks the beginning of an ambitious growth strategy, with plans to open 50 new properties in India over the next decade. With India’s outbound travel forecast to exceed 50 million trips by 2030, Minor Hotels is strategically positioned to cater to this demand across its luxury and premium brands, including Anantara Hotels & Resorts, Avani Hotels & Resorts, and NH Collection. “The Indian market presents a remarkable opportunity for luxury hospitality, both domestically and internationally,” said Rajakarier. “With Anantara’s debut in Jaipur and our expansion plans, we aim to redefine experiential luxury while deepening our engagement with Indian travellers through our expanding brand portfolio.” He added: “Indian travellers are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, whether through bespoke wellness retreats, culturally rich stays, or luxury destination weddings. Our strategy is to cater to these evolving preferences by expanding our footprint with brands that align with these aspirations.” Luxury travel and loyalty in India There are more GHA hotel rooms in India than ever before, growing to nearly to 3,400 in 2024 to meet the rising demand for luxury stays across the country. But the alliance’s commitment to India extends beyond its hotel brand presence, as its latest market research reveals. GHA DISCOVERY, which now includes more than 30 million travellers worldwide, is playing a pivotal role in shaping high-end travel trends. Indian members are increasingly engaging with GHA’s ‘Signature Luxury’ hotels, with premium experiences, room upgrades, and the DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) rewards currency ranking among the most valued benefits. As inbound travel to India flourishes, the country remains a magnet for high-spending travellers, with the US, UK, and Australia leading the top source markets. The combined presence of The Leela and Minor Hotels within GHA’s ecosystem positions them at the forefront of India’s luxury hospitality growth.  

Airlines and Aviation

Air New Zealand codeshares with Air India

Star Alliance Partners Air New Zealand and Air India today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the objective of boosting air connectivity between India and New Zealand. The MoU was signed at an event in Mumbai in the presence of Honourable Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Christopher Luxon, and other dignitaries. The MoU includes the establishment of a new codeshare partnership on 16 routes between India, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, conferring travellers more choice and convenient access between the two countries. Customers will now be able to travel from the Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai on Air India, and connect at Sydney, Melbourne or Singapore onto Air New Zealand-operated flights to Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown. Besides improving customers’ ease of booking and travel, the codeshare aims to increase visibility of the respective markets as tourism destinations. The MoU will also see Air New Zealand and Air India explore the introduction of a direct service between India and New Zealand by the end of 2028, subject to new aircraft deliveries and approvals from relevant government regulators. Air New Zealand Chief Executive Greg Foran emphasised the strategic significance of India as a future destination, highlighting its rapidly expanding tourism market and increasing travel demand.“India represents a key growth market for Air New Zealand, and we are excited about the opportunity to enhance connectivity for travellers between our two countries. This codeshare agreement is an important first step, offering more options for customers while we work to understand what a direct service could look like. “Today’s event underscores the significance of the India market to New Zealand, not only for tourism but also for strengthening business and education ties. We are committed to working collaboratively to grow the travel market over the coming years, ensuring a strong foundation for a successful direct service by 2028,” said Foran. Campbell Wilson, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Air India, said: “As part of Air India’s ongoing transformation, we have been expanding our global network using our own aircraft as well as through new or expanded codeshare agreements with other airlines, chiefly our Star Alliance partners. We are delighted to be deepening our relationship with Air New Zealand, which follows the recent expansion of our codeshare partnerships with Lufthansa Group, Singapore Airlines, and All Nippon Airways. This partnership will not only strengthen our presence and simplify customer journeys, but also help us develop traffic so that, in time to come, we may viably operate a non-stop service between India and New Zealand, which we and Air New Zealand have committed to explore together with the respective authorities.” With India emerging as a growing tourism and business hub, this partnership reflects the airline’s commitment to delivering enhanced travel experiences while supporting trade, tourism, and economic growth. Currently, Air New Zealand customers travelling between New Zealand and India benefit from strong connectivity options via Singapore Airlines, offering a smooth transit through Singapore. The prospect of a future direct route would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries, providing more efficient and accessible travel opportunities. The MoU also outlines Tourism New Zealand’s commitment to growing inbound tourism from the Indian market. Tourism New Zealand’s research shows that 18 million people in New Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai are actively considering traveling to New Zealand, making it a key emerging market. More than 80,000 international travellers arrived from India last year, 23% more than in 2019. The long-term growth potential is significant, with India ear-marked as one of the fastest-growing outbound travel markets. Indian travellers are keen to explore New Zealand’s vibrant landscapes, film sets and rich cultural opportunities. Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Rene de Monchy said: “It's fantastic to see Air New Zealand and Air India working on stronger international connectivity between the two countries. We know improved aviation links have a crucial role to play in the growth of international tourism and will make it easier for Indian travellers to come and enjoy a holiday in New Zealand. “An added bonus is that travellers from India also have a strong tendency to visit New Zealand in the off-peak months that coincide with their major holiday periods." The codeshare flights will be available for booking progressively, subject to due regulatory approvals.    

Agreements / Understandings / Contract Signings

PONANT EXPLORATIONS signs exclusive partnership with India’s STIC Travel Group

Small-ship luxury expedition cruise line PONANT EXPLORATIONS recently signed an exclusive partnership with STIC Travel Group, one of India’s most established travel service providers.  This collaboration strengthens PONANT’s presence in the Indian market and ensures seamless support for travellers and trade partners through STIC’s dedicated PONANT team. PONANT director of sales in the Asia Pacific Julie Rogers said of the partnership: “We are delighted to join forces with STIC Travel Group, a company that shares our commitment to delivering exceptional travel experiences.” Rogers added that India represents an exciting and growing market for luxury expedition travel. Via STIC’s nationwide network and expertise, PONANT will continue to expand its footprint well into South Asia. STIC Travel Group CEO Isha Goyal remarked: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Ponant Explorations, reaffirming our commitment to bringing world-class travel experiences to Indian travelers. PONANT offers some of the world’s most extraordinary ocean experiences across all seven continents. With this partnership, we are excited to offer Indian travellers unparalleled access to PONANT’s unique voyages.” What to expect from this partnership From intimate yacht-style voyages to immersive polar and tropical expeditions, PONANT’s fleet of state-of-the-art, sustainably designed ships offers unparalleled access to some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking destinations. As part of this strategic alliance, STIC Travel Group has established a dedicated PONANT team to provide expert guidance, reservations, and personalised services for Indian travellers looking to embark on unforgettable voyages with PONANT. Indeed, STIC Travel Group, with its deep expertise in global tourism representation, will provide Indian travel professionals and luxury travellers with exclusive access to PONANT’s extraordinary expedition experiences.

Airlines and Aviation

Air India launches ‘Maharaja Club Points Plus’ offer 

Air India has introduced ‘Maharaja Club Points Plus’ offer which enables frequent flyer members to maximise the reward points earned with eligible bank partners. Members can convert their bank points to Maharaja Points and also earn up to 50% bonus points on such conversions between 06 March and 31 March 2025. The offer provides members an opportunity to earn 1 million Maharaja Points*. Members can redeem these points to book Award Flights and Cabin Upgrades to enjoy enhanced travel benefits on Air India and other Star Alliance member airlines. Maximise rewards Maharaja Club members, including those newly enrolled into the programme, can convert the reward points from eligible bank partners to a maximum of 200,000 Maharaja Points per eligible bank partner. With 200,000 Maharaja Points, members can redeem a variety of flight options, for example: Four one-way tickets from Delhi to Dubai (46,000 Maharaja Points each) Five one-way tickets from Mumbai to London (42,000 Maharaja Points each) One round trip from Delhi to New York in Economy Class (124,000 Maharaja Points each) Ten round trips from Delhi to Mumbai in Economy Class (150,000 Maharaja Points each) Eligible Bank Partners Maharaja Club members can convert reward points of these banks to Maharaja Points: ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, DBS Bank, and SBI Cards. How to avail the offer  To avail the offer, one must be a Maharaja Club member; those who are not a Maharaja Club member can become one by signing up on the Air India website or mobile app. Register: Members are required to register for the offer on the Air India website to be eligible for Bonus Maharaja Points. Convert Reward Points: Members can convert Bank Reward Points to a minimum of 5,000 Maharaja Points per eligible bank partner. Earn Bonus Points: Bonus Maharaja Points will be credited within 60 days after the offer end date, with only the first eligible transaction per bank qualifying for the Bonus Maharaja Points. POINTS CONVERTED BONUS PERCENTAGE (%) 5,000-25,000 10% Bonus 25,001-50,000 20% Bonus 50,001-75,000 30% Bonus 75,001-100,000 40% Bonus 100,000+ 50% Bonus (up to 200000 per bank partner)   How Bonus Points are calculated During this offer period, Bonus Maharaja Points are credited based on the first eligible transaction per bank.  Here’s how it works: Example 1: If a member converts 100,000 Maharaja Points from HDFC Reward Points in the first transaction and 50,000 Maharaja Points from ICICI Bank Reward Points in the second transaction, the member is eligible to earn Bonus Points for both transactions based on the respective bank conversion ratio. Example 2: If a member converts 100,000 Maharaja Points from HDFC Reward Points in the first transaction and 50,000 HDFC Reward Points in the second transaction, then Bonus Maharaja Points will only be applicable on the first transaction based on the bank conversion ratio. The second HDFC transaction will not be eligible for additional bonus points. Maharaja Club offers a wide range of benefits, including priority services, lounge access, and enhanced reward options, making every journey with Air India even more rewarding.    

Global

Korea Tourism Organization signs MOU with Thomas Cook India & SOTC

Thomas Cook (India) Limited, India’s leading omnichannel travel services company and its group company SOTC Travel, have signed a strategic 24-month partnership with Korea Tourism Organization - a collaboration that focuses on Special Projects towards increasing visibility for the destination in the high-potential India market. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization,  Rajeev Kale, President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited, and SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel and Korea Tourism Organization’s exclusive partnership with Thomas Cook and SOTC Travel leverages on Special Projects to drive year-round awareness and inspiration for Korea. The collaboration extends across exchange of knowledge, best practices and development of unique-innovative products designed specifically for Indian travellers, fostering long-term growth in leisure, business and MICE segments for Korea. Korea offers a vibrant and enriching experience for Indian travellers, blending luxury, culture, wellness and exceptional cuisine. The global Hallyu wave has elevated Korea's cultural influence, with the rise of the K-beauty industry, K-pop and K-drama experiences captivating audiences worldwide. Korean cuisine, or Hansik, known for its bold flavors and healthy ingredients, adds another layer to the country's appeal, offering a delightful culinary journey. Expanding beyond Seoul and Busan, regions like Jeju Island, Gangwon Province and Jeollanam-do offer untapped potential for immersive travel experiences focused on wellness and relaxation, with state-of-the-art spas and wellness centers. This diverse offering positions Korea as a prime destination for India’s affluent and wellness-conscious market, driving sustained growth in tourism. Myong Kil Yun, Regional Director – India & SAARC Countries, Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) said: “We are delighted to formalize this strategic partnership with Thomas Cook India and SOTC Travel, both prominent players in the Indian travel industry. Through this collaboration, we aim to enhance awareness and engagement for South Korea as a premier travel destination among Indian travellers. By leveraging their extensive distribution network, expertise, and innovative approach, we look forward to introducing unique and immersive travel experiences tailored to Indian tourists.” Rajeev Kale - President & Country Head, Holidays, MICE, Visa - Thomas Cook (India) Limited said, “With new destinations and exciting experiential travel driving demand, South Korea is perfectly positioned to inspire the growing appetite of new-age Indian travellers. Our MOU with the Korea Tourism Organization not only endorses South Korea as a dynamic and vibrant destination but also opens new avenues for enriching travel experiences. We aim to foster long-term growth across our viable leisure, business, and MICE segments. Our MOU will focus on product development, destination education and marcom to create top-of-mind visibility and drive transactions. By leveraging our expertise in the Indian market, we aim to create greater visibility for South Korea, facilitating seamless travel experiences and fostering memorable, value-driven journeys for our customers” SD Nandakumar, President & Country Head - Holidays & Corporate Tours - SOTC Travel said, “We are delighted to partner with Korea Tourism Organization. South Korea stands out as a destination that resonates with the evolving preferences of Indian travellers, not just from India’s metros but also regional India’s Tier 2 and 3 markets. With its blend of rich culture, cutting-edge innovation, and exciting experiences, it holds immense potential to captivate a diverse range of travellers. Our collaboration with the Korea Tourism Organization signifies our shared commitment to enhancing travel experiences for Indian visitors. This partnership is an opportunity to curate distinctive travel products and elevate destination awareness, leveraging joint initiatives that connect with the needs of the Indian market. Together, we aim to elevate the appeal of South Korea and create sustainable growth across leisure, business, and MICE sectors.”    

Finance

Thomas Cook India launches the Borderless Prepaid Multi-Currency Travel Card

India's outbound travel is witnessing a significant surge in overall travel spending: India's outbound travel saw a record in overseas travel spending of $17 billion in FY24, marking a 25% increase y-o-y (accounting for 54% of all international spending)1 and is projected to reach $55.4 billion by 20342. Additionally, the strong emergence of travellers from India’s tier 2 & 3 cities, creates a growing need for a seamless, secure and convenient forex solutions. Recognizing this opportunity, Thomas Cook (India) Limited – India’s leading omnichannel foreign exchange services provider, has launched the Borderless Travel Card - designed to empower leisure travellers with smooth and secure international travel transactions - with multi-currency support, worldwide acceptance and exclusive travel benefits. This initiative reiterates Thomas Cook’s position as India ka Forex Specialist – highlighting the Company’s sustained focus on innovation and elevated customer experience. Thomas Cook Borderless Travel Card benefits*  Supports 12 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 Security with embedded chip & pin Complimentary Airport meet & greet, free lounge access and porter services at select international airports in India* Exclusive 25% off 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 card spend, redeemable for holidays, flights and hotels from Thomas Cook India Additional benefits* Complimentary insurance cover up to ₹7.5 lakh* 24x7 Customer Support available via call centre, email and web support on thomascook.in Free ATM withdrawal* Eco-friendly card crafted from recycled plastic, promoting sustainability Deepesh Varma, Executive Vice President - Foreign Exchange, Thomas Cook (India) Limited said:  “At Thomas Cook India, we continue to strengthen our leadership in the forex sector by anticipating market shifts and innovating to meet evolving customer needs. The launch of our Borderless Travel Card, builds on the success of our prepaid card portfolio that includes Study Buddy (for students) and EnterpriseFX (business traveller). The Borderless Travel Card is our strategic response to address the needs of India’s leisure segment: offering smooth and seamless multi-currency access, the convenience of worldwide acceptance, and exclusive travel benefits—all with the reliability and security of Mastercard and Visa. I am particularly proud of our integration of sustainability with financial innovation with this, India’s first eco-friendly card made of recycled plastic. The timing is perfect – at the start of India’s key travel booking season and we look forward to elevating our customer experience while reinforcing Thomas Cook India’s position as India ka Forex Specialist." Anubhav Gupta, Senior Vice President, South Asia at Mastercard said: “As the country’s aspirations reach for newer heights fuelled by a growing middle class, Indians including those from Tier two and three cities are keen to explore the world. Mastercard Economics Institute’s research has shown that today, the number of Indians traveling abroad in a single quarter is comparable to annual number of Indian travellers 10 years ago. At Mastercard, we see a need to support such travellers with more convenient, sustainable, and safer modes of payment. Through our collaboration with Thomas Cook, we are excited to offer this Borderless Travel Card which brings among the best rewards and acceptance across 12 currencies and 200 countries and territories.” Rishi Chhabra, Country Manager for Visa India said: “We are delighted to partner with Thomas Cook India to launch the Borderless Travel Card for India’s growing outbound travel market. Backed by Visa’s global network, worldwide acceptance and trusted, secure payments, this card enhances travel experiences with a seamless, secure and sustainable offering. Our partnership reflects a joint commitment to financial inclusion and delivering unparalleled convenience to Indian globetrotters. We look forward to setting a new benchmark in travel payments that provide security, ease and exclusive benefits.”    

Airlines and Aviation

Riyadh Air delegation to visit key market of India to explore partnerships

Riyadh Air CEO, Tony Douglas, is leading a delegation to India for a series of discussions that will explore potential partnerships in a key market for the airline. Riyadh Air, which will launch operations later this year, is poised to significantly enhance connectivity and growth opportunities between the two nations, with India expected to become Saudi Arabia’s top tourism source market by 2030. The Saudi Tourism Authority aims to welcome 7.5 million visitors from India per annum by the close of the decade. Statistics show that the number of Indians traveling to Saudi Arabia increased by 50 percent in 2023 to more than 1.5 million following a series of strategic initiatives. As part of the Riyadh Air trip, which takes place from March 12 to 14, 2025, the delegation will meet the officials at Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) as well as the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for requisite permissions and support to launch India operations. Mr. Douglas will also meet IndiGo and Air India– India’s two largest airlines to discuss possible partnerships. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said: “India has long been a crucial part of Riyadh Air’s network planning ahead of our operations launch. India is a beautiful nation which will play a big part in the success story of our airline, as travel and business opportunities multiply with the expanded offerings we are set to provide. Beyond connecting people, fostering economic growth, and enhancing and diversifying the Saudi Arabian and Indian tourism sectors, Riyadh Air’s network will help develop even stronger bonds between the two great countries. As the world’s first digital native airline, we are dedicated to partnering with entities across a variety of aviation stakeholders in India to create a sustainable, prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship that delivers exceptional travel experiences. The trip comes as Riyadh Air has officially appointed Bird Travels as its exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. Bird Travels, renowned for its extensive connectivity and deep understanding of the Indian travel landscape, will play a crucial role in enhancing Riyadh Air's brand visibility and promoting its range of flight services across the country.” GauravBhatia, Executive Director of Bird Group, said: “We are honored to be Riyadh Air's exclusive distribution and sales partner in India. We are confident that Indian travelers will embrace Riyadh Air's innovative services and exceptional onboard experience. Saudi Arabia and India enjoy cordial and friendly relations that reflect the two nations’ centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties. Diplomatic relations were established between Saudi Arabia and India in 1947. As well as being a catalyst for Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy, Riyadh Air is playing a key role in achieving Vision 2030 goals by contributing to the nation’s wider economic diversification and jobs creation aims.” Riyadh Air is set to fly to more than 100 destinations by 2030, increase Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP growth by $20 billion, and directly and indirectly create more than 200,000 new jobs globally and locally.      

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Indiasta

New Delhi, Delhi, India

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Agoda India

India India

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Best Indian SEO Companies – DigitalPrarabdh

Vijay Nagar, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India

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Promise India Tourism Pvt Ltd

Narayanpur ,Sukanta Pally,Kankinara,North 24 Parganas

ITB India 2024 – 11 – 13 September 2024 at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India.

ITB India is an annual 3-day business-to-business trade show and convention curated to connect you to the Indian Travel Market. ITB India brings together key travel industry leaders and international exhibitors from various segments of MICE, Leisure, Corporate and Travel & Technology. Leverage on ITB India to capture the fast-growing Indian and South Asian Markets, forge new partnerships and strengthen existing business relations with the most important players in India.

ITB India 2023 – 26 to 28 April 2023, Mumbai India

The 3rd edition of ITB India will take place in-person from 26 - 28 April 2023 in Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, India. This 3-day business-to-business travel and tourism trade fair for India has been put together to bring different facets of the Indian Travel Market.

ITB India 2022: 4 – 8 April 2022, Mumbai, India (Hybrid event)

ITB India will be held from 4 - 8 April 2022, with the physical event happening from 4 - 6 April 2022 and the virtual component from 7 - 8 April 2022. The show is organised by Indo-German Chamber of Commerce and supported by Messe Berlin (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

2024 PATA Travel Mart Final Call: Last Chance to Join as an Exhibitor!

Join the 47th edition of #PTM2024, one of Asia Pacific's longest-standing international travel trade exhibitions. This is your moment to engage with over 260 international organisations from more than 40 destinations across the Asia Pacific region.

Need a change of pace? Would 3 nights in Bali or Thailand interest you? answer 1 simple question and ENTER NOW!

In partnership with TD, Discova is offering everyone the opportunity to win 1 of 2 amazing prizes, including a 3-night stay at Away Bali Legian Camakila and a 3-night stay at Cross Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel.. dont miss out on this chance to relax and unwind

Webinar – PONANT and National Geographic delivering the authentic Expedition Experiences across the world

Become an expert in small-ship cruising and Expeditions! Join Julie Rogers, PONANT National Business Development Manager South East Asia for an Exclusive Series of PONANT Webinars (30 minutes each), and become an expert in small luxury cruises and expeditions.

Webinar – PONANT Destination Focus : Discover small ship cruising in Europe – The Mediterranean and Northern Europe

Become an expert in small-ship cruising and Expeditions! Join Julie Rogers, PONANT National Business Development Manager South East Asia for an Exclusive Series of PONANT Webinars (30 minutes each), and become an expert in small luxury cruises and expeditions.

Webinar – PONANT Destination Focus : Discover small ship cruising in Japan and surrounding tropical islands

Become an expert in small-ship cruising and Expeditions! Join Julie Rogers, PONANT National Business Development Manager South East Asia for an Exclusive Series of PONANT Webinars (30 minutes each), and become an expert in small luxury cruises and expeditions.

Webinar – PONANT Destination Focus: POLAR exploration of The Arctic with PONANT Expeditions

Become an expert in small-ship cruising and Expeditions! Join Julie Rogers, PONANT National Business Development Manager South East Asia for an Exclusive Series of PONANT Webinars (30 minutes each), and become an expert in small luxury cruises and expeditions.

Webinar – PONANT Destination Focus: POLAR exploration of Antartica with PONANT Expeditions

Become an expert in small-ship cruising and Expeditions! Join Julie Rogers, PONANT National Business Development Manager South East Asia for an Exclusive Series of PONANT Webinars (30 minutes each), and become an expert in small luxury cruises and expeditions.

Webinar – Introduction to PONANT Yacht Cruises and Luxury Expeditions, including overview of the fleet.

Become an expert in small-ship cruising and Expeditions! Join Julie Rogers, PONANT National Business Development Manager South East Asia for an Exclusive Series of PONANT Webinars (30 minutes each), and become an expert in small luxury cruises and expeditions.

Luxury Oceanfront Pool Villa seeks fun-loving travellers! Apply within

In partnership with TD, Conrad Koh Samui is giving you the opportunity to win two nights in a Oceanfront Pool Villa including breakfast for two all by answering one easy question.

Did you win a 2 night stay in a Deluxe Room at Radisson Blu Bali!

Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu, home to stunning coral reefs, golden beaches and impressive volcanic mountains, the Indonesian island of Bali also known as the "Island of the Gods," invites you to explore its natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Radisson Blu Bali Uluwatu is perched overlooking the Indian Ocean and local farmland, giving you amazing views from each of our spacious hotel rooms and suites. Our convenient location places guests close to Bingin Beach and Padang Padang Beach, home of the world-famous Rip Curl Cup Invitational surfing competition. Whether your day is spent by the pool or on the beach sunbathing, wave surfing, sightseeing or shopping, you can find relaxation at the end of the day at the Radisson Blu.

Win 2 nights in a Ocean front Balcony Pool Suite at SALA Samui Chaweng Beach!

SALA Samui Chaweng Beach Resort is Koh Samui’s stunning new 5-star pool suite and villa beach resort and spa. Replete with a white sandy beach, luxury pool villas and all the amenities needed to create a magical getaway drenched in sunshine -- it really is the quintessential Asian paradise.

Win two nights at the AVANI Atrium Bangkok

Travel Daily Asia has teamed up with AVANI Atrium Bangkok to offer travel professionals the chance to win a 2-night

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