Search Results forThiruvananthapuram
IndiGo launches Daily Flights between Thiruvananthapuram and Malé in Maldives
Happy couple in white clothing and with hats walks down a tropical beach with turquoise sea in the Maldives islands IndiGo, India’s most preferred airline, has announced the launch of direct flights between Thiruvananthapuram and Malé, the Maldives, starting October 26, 2025. The airline will operate daily services on this route, making Thiruvananthapuram the fourth Indian city to be directly connected to Malé, in addition to Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Kochi. The flights will be operated using IndiGo’s ATR aircraft, offering affordable and reliable travel experience on this short-haul route. With convenient timings and daily frequency, the service is designed to offer seamless connectivity for both leisure and business travellers, between India and the Maldives. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Sales at IndiGo, said: “We are pleased to announce daily flights between Thiruvananthapuram and Malé, enhancing access to the recently expanded Velana International Airport. With this, IndiGo will now operate 28 weekly flights to the Maldives from four cities in India. With India being a major source of tourists for the Maldives, and the growing business ties between the two countries, this new route is poised to enhance not only connectivity but also further contribute to strengthening the growing bilateral relations.” Strengthening India–Maldives Connectivity The launch of IndiGo’s new service comes at a time of strengthening India-Maldives relations, with both countries discussing about advancing trade and investment. India continues to be one of the Maldives’ top tourism source markets and there is strong demand for enhanced air connectivity between the two nations. IndiGo’s new service between Thiruvananthapuram and Malé will now help further boost travel, business, and regional growth. Schedule of Flights between Thiruvananthapuram and Malé, Effective October 26, 2025 Sector Flight No. Days of Operation Departure Arrival Thiruvananthapuram – Malé 6E 1129 Daily 12:00 13:15 Malé – Thiruvananthapuram 6E 1130 Daily 14:05 16:20 *All timings are in local time zones; exact timings may differ on the respective days of operation **Subject to regulatory approvals
Now fly AirAsia from Thiruvananthapuram to Kuala Lumpur
AirAsia announced a new route from India’s southern city of Thiruvananthapuram, or Trivandrum to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia making this the airline’s second direct route from the state of Kerala, often dubbed ‘God’s Own Country,’ following its 12 times weekly flights from Kochi to Kuala Lumpur. This new route will take flight on 21 February 2024 with a frequency of four times weekly and is expected to receive a remarkable response from travellers of all walks of life looking to traverse Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city’s wondrous charm. The bustling Kuala Lumpur is home to numerous architectural marvels, an array of mouth-watering local cuisine, quaint markets and much more. AirAsia has long connected travellers from India to the rest of the world since it first commenced flights to the country in 2008 with the Tiruchirappalli-Kuala Lumpur route as its first route. The launch of this new connectivity will mark the airline’s 9th route from India to Malaysia. Currently, AirAsia operates 6 direct routes from South Indian cities via AirAsia Malaysia (AK) ‒ Chennai, Tiruchirappalli, Hyderabad, Kochi, Bengaluru and Kolkata as well as 2 direct routes from Northern India ‒ Amritsar and New Delhi via AirAsia X (D7) to Malaysia. CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, Riad Asmat, said: “We’re thrilled to strengthen our presence in India with this new route to the historically rich city of Thiruvananthapuram. Last year marked a momentous milestone for us when we began gradually resuming our key destinations in India, post-pandemic. With this new route launching in February next year, we will soon be flying direct to Malaysia from a total of 9 stunning destinations across India from north to south with a total of 71 flights weekly ‒ with more to come.” “Undoubtedly, India is one of AirAsia’s most popular destinations for Malaysian travellers and vice versa. We hold a market share of 47% of the international air connectivity between the two nations. Over the last decade and a half, we’ve drastically transformed the travel landscape in India and connected many millions of travellers to Malaysia and beyond affordably. We look forward to working closely with the state government to support the tourism industry and further stimulate air travel to Thiruvananthapuram and other cities in India.” AirAsia Head of Regional Commercial (India), Manoj Dharmani commented: “This new route will be one of many milestones for AirAsia in India, as we connect more eager travellers from yet another beautiful southern city to Kuala Lumpur. We are certain that this expansion will not only strengthen AirAsia’s unwavering commitment to providing affordable and accessible travel but also foster cultural ties between Malaysia and India. We look forward to exploring the world of possibilities that this new route will bring our guests, offering them a unique blend of vibrant cultures, diverse landscapes and unparalleled experiences.” This new launch comes at an exciting time for AirAsia as the airline is celebrating having flown an incredible 800 million guests and counting since 2001. To commemorate this and the upcoming new route, AirAsia is offering amazing fares starting today till 26 October 2024 from INR4,999 all-in* one-way from Thiruvananthapuram to Kuala Lumpur ‒ inclusive of free 20kg check-in baggage ‒ for travel between 21 February 2024 to 19 March 2025. Simply click on the ‘Flights’ icon on the airasia Superapp or website for booking to start planning for your journey. Flight schedule from Thiruvananthapuram (TRV) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL): Route Flight No Departure Arrival Frequency Thiruvananthapuram ‒ Kuala Lumpur AK8 00:25 07:05 Tues, Thurs, Sat, Sun Kuala Lumpur ‒ Thiruvananthapuram AK9 22:30 23:50 Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat
Jazeera Airways to fly to Thiruvananthapuram and Bengaluru
Jazeera Airways has launched two new routes to the cities of Thiruvananthapuram (formerly known as Trivandrum) and Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore) in India. Speaking of the new flights, Jazeera chief executive officer, Rohit Ramachandran, said: “We are pleased to be extending our reach into India by the addition of these two new services, catering to the high demand from the expat and business communities in Kuwait and from other connecting GCC countries for flights” The Kuwait- Thiruvananthapuram route will be served on Tuesdays and Sundays, with return flights from Trivandrum leaving in the early morning of the next days. The Kuwait-Bengaluru route will be served on Thursdays and Sundays, with return flights from Bengaluru leaving in the early morning of the next day. Thiruvananthapuram is the capital of the southern Indian state of Kerala. Bengaluru (also known as Bangalore) is the capital of India's southern Karnataka state and is the centre of India's high-tech industry.
Air India Express commences flights from Jodhpur and Udaipur
Air India Express, the country’s first international value carrier, has expanded its footprint in the state with four new daily flights connecting Jodhpur and Udaipur to Bengaluru and Delhi. The first flights from both airports took off today, marking the commencement of these new services. To celebrate the occasion, a special ceremony was held at both Jodhpur and Udaipur airports, where the first guests received celebratory boarding passes. Flight Schedule Effective 1 November 2025 (All timings are local) Departure Airport Arrival Airport Departure Time Arrival Time Frequency Jodhpur Bengaluru 16:45 19:45 Daily Bengaluru Jodhpur 12:50 16:00 Daily Jodhpur Delhi 10:20 11:40 Daily Delhi Jodhpur 08:30 09:50 Daily Udaipur Bengaluru 10:40 13:00 Daily Bengaluru Udaipur 07:50 10:10 Daily Udaipur Delhi 08:55 10:25 Daily Delhi Udaipur 06:55 08:25 Daily Commenting on Air India Express commencing operations from both Jodhpur and Udaipur, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said: “True to our recently launched brand campaign ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’, Air India Express is enabling travellers to discover new destinations, experience diverse cultures, and build meaningful connections. With Jodhpur and Udaipur joining our network, we are delighted to strengthen our presence in Rajasthan, a land celebrated for its regal heritage and art. These new routes will open Rajasthan’s rich cultural and architectural splendour to travellers while offering people from the region convenient access to major domestic and international destinations through our hubs in Bengaluru and Delhi.” With these additions, Air India Express now operates from three cities in Rajasthan, with over 105 weekly flights from the state. The airline operates about 80 weekly flights from Jaipur, offering direct connectivity to 11 Indian cities and Dubai. The airline also connects Jaipur to 25 domestic destinations and 11 international destinations with convenient one-stop connections. Apart from direct flights to Bengaluru and Delhi, the airline connects Jodhpur to 26 domestic and three international destinations and Udaipur with 29 domestic and seven international destinations through convenient one-stop connections. These new launches follow the airline’s recent network expansion to Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Dehradun, offering direct connectivity to Bengaluru. As part of its Winter Schedule 2025, the airline also launched new operations from Bengaluru to Bangkok, Jeddah, Riyadh, and Kuwait and from Delhi to Amritsar, Goa, Imphal, Lucknow, and Port Blair. The airline recently unveiled its new brand campaign ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’ encouraging travellers to immerse themselves in local culture and discover new experiences. This week, the airline has also unveiled its new interiors of its Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The upgraded cabin features seats with superior padding, wider armrests, and legroom ranging from 29 to 38 inches. Each seat is equipped with in-seat USB charging ports, while the cabins feature ovens for serving hot ‘Gourmair’ meals, refreshed interiors with brand-new carpets, and advanced Boeing Sky Interior lighting, creating a modern, warm, and welcoming ambience that reflects the airline’s commitment to a comfortable and memorable flying experience. Travellers can also explore the airline’s curated holiday platform, ‘Xpress Holidays’, featuring comprehensive packages with accommodation, transport, and activities. ‘Xpress Holidays’ can be easily accessed at the Products and Services section on Air India Express’ website. Among its offerings is the ‘Royal Vacation in Rajasthan’, an 8-night/9-day itinerary which includes round-trip flights, intercity car transfers, 4-star hotels, airport transfers, 14 curated activities, and select meals. Another popular option is the ‘Grandeur and Love’ package — a 6-night/7-day escape featuring the same premium inclusions. More such tailor-made packages are available for booking on the airline’s website. Celebrating India’s rich cultural diversity, Air India Express brings over 50 indigenous arts from 25 states to life through its ‘Tales of India’ initiative. Each of its brand-new aircraft features unique liveries inspired by indigenous art and crafts such as Rajasthan’s Danka embroidery, Pichwai painting, and Sanganeri Block Print, paying tribute to the country’s timeless artistry. From Jaipur: Air India Express operates about 80 weekly flights from Jaipur connecting directly to 11 domestic destinations and Dubai. The domestic destinations include Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Delhi, Guwahati, Hindon, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, Pune and Varanasi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connections to 25 domestic destinations: Agartala, Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Goa, Imphal, Indore, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kannur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, North Goa, Patna, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijay Puram (Port Blair), Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Tiruchirappalli, Udaipur, Vijayawada, Visakhapatnam and 11 international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Bangkok, Dammam, Jeddah, Kathmandu, Kuwait, Muscat, Phuket, Riyadh, Sharjah. From Jodhpur: Air India Express operates 14 weekly flights from Jodhpur connecting directly to Bengaluru and Delhi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 26 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Varanasi, Vijayawada, and Visakhapatnam and three international destinations: Dammam, Kuwait, and Muscat. From Udaipur: Air India Express operates 14 weekly flights from Udaipur connecting directly to Bengaluru and Delhi. Additionally, the airline provides one-stop connectivity to 29 domestic destinations: Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kochi, Kolkata, Kozhikode, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram, Surat, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam and seven international destinations: Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Riyadh, and Sharjah.
Diwali delights and entertainment onboard flights from Emirates
In celebration of Diwali - the Hindu festival of lights, Emirates will be sweetening the skies with Diwali delights and entertainment onboard flights to and from India, from 17-24 October. Diwali delicacies will be served in all classes and select lounges to customers travelling to and from Dubai to Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Kochi, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kolkata and Mumbai. Diwali sweet treats across all cabin classes Customers celebrating Diwali on these routes will be treated to a selection of sumptuous Diwali sweets. Premium Economy and Economy Class customers can savour a traditional treat of motichoor laddu with their hot meal – a traditional dessert of fried chickpea flour balls sweetened with sugar syrup, fragrant with cardamom and saffron and garnished with pistachios. First and Business Class customers will also be offered a Kaju pista roll, a creamy rose flavoured cashew and pistachio roll with dried fruits and nuts, encased in silver leaves. Flavourful favourites in Emirates’ First & Business Class Lounges In the Emirates First and Business Class Lounges of Dubai, customers can savour bursts of flavour with onion kachoris and paneer potli samosa, served with tamarind chutney and mint chutney, followed by sweet treats of mango sandwich and classic Diwali desserts- balushahi, sweet and spongey kesar rasgullas, and the beloved gajar ka halwa. First Class customers are invited to relax with a dedicated Diwali cocktail, the Spicy Saffron Martini, or enjoy the comfort of a Chai Chat Latte mocktail, while Business Class customers will enjoy a Diwali cocktail of Elderflower Gin Fizz or mocktail of Berry Basil Splash. In the Emirates Lounges of Cape Town and Johannesburg where there are considerable Indian diaspora, travellers can feast on more delicious desserts with gulab jamun or traditional rice pudding, washed down with a refreshing mango lassi. Endless entertainment on Emirates ice Customers can spend their flight in a festive mood with up to 167 Indian movies including new and classic Bollywood like Laapataa Ladies, Crazxy, Jigra, The Lost Girl and Apurva. Award-winning inflight entertainment system ice also has a wide selection of Indian regional movies in 9 languages - Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Punjabi, Bhojpuri, Bengali and Gujarati, or customers can settle in to watch 14 Indian TV programmes including hits like The Traitors India and Love, Life, Lafde with Zakir Khan. For a Diwali ambience onboard, music fans can browse through 40 Indian albums and playlists.
Air India Express announces exclusive air force day sale with up to 50% off on flights
In honour of Air Force Day, Air India Express has announced special deals offering up to 50% off flight fares for serving and retired Defence and paramilitary personnel, as well as their dependents, on domestic flights. The offer is valid for bookings made on 8 October 2025, for travel until 3 May 2026, on the airline’s award-winning website, airindiaexpress.com, or the Air India Express iOS or Android mobile app. The offer applies across the airline’s domestic network of 43 destinations, which include Air Force Stations at Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Gwalior, Guwahati, Hindon, Jammu, Jodhpur, Kannur, Pune, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Srinagar, and Thiruvananthapuram. The airline’s domestic network also covers key Indian Army Commands at Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Pune; and all the Indian Navy Commands in Mumbai, Kochi, Vishakhapatnam and Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair) in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As a gesture of gratitude, Air India Express also extends complimentary priority boarding to Defence personnel throughout the year. With this exclusive Air Force Day sale, the airline salutes the dedication, courage, and spirit of India’s armed forces, enabling them to connect with their families and create cherished travel memories. In addition to these commemorative offers, Air India Express provides year-round special discounted fares and benefits for students, senior citizens, and members of the Indian Armed Forces and their dependents, ensuring enhanced travel access for a diverse community of flyers. Air India Express was the first major airline to commence flight operations from the civil enclave of Hindon Airport station, becoming the first airline to operate from multiple airports in the National Capital Region. The airline operates over 60 flights from Hindon to nine domestic destinations including Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, and Varanasi, in addition to over 400 weekly flights from Delhi (IGI) connecting directly to 24 domestic destinations. The airline directly connects Delhi to Amritsar, Ayodhya, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Bhubaneswar, Goa, Guwahati, Imphal, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Jodhpur, Lucknow, Mangaluru, Mumbai, North Goa, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair), Surat, Udaipur, and Varanasi and two international destinations: Muscat, and Sharjah. From 26th October 2025 all Air India Express domestic flights will operate from Delhi will operate from T1 while all international flights will continue to operate from T3. Recently, the airline expanded its network to 60 destinations, with the addition of Jodhpur and Udaipur, and is set to commence operations from the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Onam, Malayalis’ iconic festival celebrations enrich Kerala
Malayalis’ eagerly-awaited annual festival Onam stands out as one of the few celebrations in the world that blends mythology, veneration of nature and cultural expressions in a captivating tapestry. This year, the ten-day Onam season starts on August 26, bringing in its wake a zealously-preserved tradition celebrated by Malayalis since ancient times, cutting across social and economic barriers. The festival culminates with the ‘Thiruvonam’ Day on September 5. Onam is defined by its beauty, grace, charm and inclusivity. Though at its core is a Hindu myth, Onam is a festival that blurs borderlines of faith and social rankings. The festival is deeply ingrained in the socio-cultural ethos of Malayalis, whether they live in Kerala or in any part of the world. Onam, which falls in the month of ‘Chingam’ in the Malayalam calendar, comes after three months of southwest monsoon, with fresh shoots springing from the bowels of the Mother Earth. For an agricultural community, which Kerala essentially was until not-so-distant past, the season implied the paddy harvest time, mainly the principal crop rice. The Mahabali myth Onam has a legend linked to it. The region comprising Kerala was eons ago ruled by the Asura King Mahabali. So ideal was his reign that the kingdom was like a paradise on earth— no trace of theft, deception or malice of any kind. Could such a harmony allowed to be flourished in the mundane world? Of course, it made the Devas envious. They hatched plans to bring an end to the golden era. Instigated by them, Lord Vishnu transfigured into a dwarf (Vamana) and came down before Mahabali. Always keen to welcome guests, the king expressed his willingness to grant anything the visitor would request. The dwarf asked for three steps of earth. Mahabali agreed. Ahead of taking his first step, Vamana suddenly grew in size to emerge like a titan. Thus, his one foot covered the whole of earth, the second the whole of heaven. As there was no ground left, Mahabali offered his head for the Brahmin to place his foot on a third time. The emperor was stomped down to the netherworld (Patal). Resolved to his downfall, the king asked for a favour: “Can I visit my subjects once a year?” Yes, said Vishnu generously. And, that’s Onam season, the homecoming of Mahabali every year, to be welcomed by his subjects with all honours. Floral carpet The most enduring and colourful image of Onam is the tradition of laying out floral carpets to welcome Mahabali. It is also known as ‘Atha Pookkalam’ as it starts at homes on the’Atham Day’ of the zodiac almanac, 10 days ahead of the Thiruvonam. These days Onam has assumed a larger social dimension, with festivities spilling over to community cultural spaces. So, Pookkalam is laid out in schools, offices and even tech campuses. A visitor to the state during the Onam is greeted with the Pookalam, laid out with a variety of flowers adorning the front yard of homes. Members of the families, including little ones, give full play of their aesthetic sensibility in making the floral carpet. With fast-paced urbanisation turning vast swaths of land into concrete jungles, the flowers for pookkalam now mostly come from neighbouring states. Onam Sadhya, the multi-dish feast The Onam Sadhya, the multi-dish feast served on plantain leaf, is a mouth-welling highlight of the festival. Traditionally, the Sadhya used to be prepared by women at homes, with menfolk lending a helping hand to fry banana chips and fritters. The dishes, laid out in banana leaves, are classically vegetarian. Rice, sambhar, avial, rasam , olan, erissery, pappadam, fried banana chips and pickles make the list pretty long, along with savouries like sweet ‘pradhaman.’ In parts of the Malabar region (north Kerala) fish and meat are added to enliven the menu. These days, the full-course Sadhya with even the banana leaf to serve will get delivered at homes. Scores of restaurants and caterers make a roaring business during the season. Onam Sadhya is available in major restaurants and star hotels during Onam in major cities in India and also in the Middle East, USA and UK. Women at the centre of festivities Onam has been a time for people to engage in arts and sports. The season see the return of many sporting traditions. At a time when women were essentially home-makers, Onam was an occasion for them to give expression to their artistic talent, though essentially before the joint family audience. There are choreographic expressions Kaikottikali, in which the dancers clap their hands in unison while moving clockwise and anti- clockwise rhythmically. The themes are drawn on from the Hindu mythology. However, an off-shoot of this in Christian houses is called Margamkali, where the lyrics are largely Biblical. The Islamic tap-and-sing tradition of DuffMuttu and Arbanakali are also popular. Sporting season for men and children In parts of Kerala, Onam offers an occasion for men to display their physical prowess by engaging in a pastime fight called Onathallu, which has its body-fighting tactics borrowed from the martial art of Kalaripayattu. They also engage in many other rural sports like. Community cultural spaces From homes grounds , these cultural expression have moved to community spaces. The State Government organises Onam Celebrations on a grand scale for a whole week in the state capital, district headquarters and cities and towns across the state. In suburban and rural areas, local cultural outfits take the lead in organising the festival. Tourism Week Celebrations The season also see inflow of tourists to Kerala in large numbers. For hosting and taking them around the festival venues, the Tourism Department has made special arrangements. “The week-long tourism festival organised by the government showcases the best of Kerala’s classical, folk and ethnic art forms. It provides an opportunity for hundreds of artists to perform in the capital city and centres across the state,” said Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas. The Onam season also see a lot of tourist footfall in Kerala, where they can have a hands on feel of the eclectic culture of the people, the Minister added. This year, the week-long Tourism Week Celebrations, organised by the Tourism Department, will be inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister Shri Pinarayi Vijayan at Thiruvananthapuram on September 3. The celebrations, dominated by cultural programmes, illumination of main thoroughfares and landmark buildings, will conclude with a grand colourful pageantry on September 9. Boat races Onam is also the season of boat races. Kerala has a string of sprawling backwaters. Travancore, especially the rice-bowl of low-lying Kuttanad, has been a hub for boat races. The prime attraction is the chundanvallam: snake-boats with as much as 140 feet of length and accommodating 120 paddlers. There are smaller varieties of boats, enabling women as well to contest. Ironic twist Though Onam is a festival that welcomes the return of Mahabali, in some regions the celebrations also get an ironic twist. For many, it is also an occasion to worship Maha Vishnu , who transfigured as Vamana to banish Mahabali to the nether world. As part of this tradition, clay cubes that taper towards the tip are made, and floral offerings are made at the base. These are called Thrikkakarayappan or Onathappan. They represent, Lord Vishnu, who is believed to have ended the mythological Mahabali regime. But this in no way dampens the festive spirit whose focus is the visit of Mababali.
Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited signs multi-deal agreement with Marriott International to open six hotels in India
Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited (BHVL , second largest owner of chain-affiliated hotels and rooms in South India among major private hotel asset owners, announced the signing of a landmark multi-deal agreement with Marriott International, Inc. to develop six hotels (940 rooms) across four key markets in the country. This significant portfolio expansion will feature properties under five globally recognized Marriott Bonvoy brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott. Recognized for its construction excellence, Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited has significantly influenced India's urban landscape with a diverse portfolio of hotels in key South Indian cities. With this signing, Brigade reinforces its nearly 15-year partnership with Marriott, further strengthening a successful relationship. Along with Sheraton Grand Bangalore at Brigade Gateway and Four Points by Sheraton Kochi Infopark, this brings the total to eight hotels with Marriott, totaling 1,388 keys. The agreement was officially signed by Nirupa Shankar, Managing Director, Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited, and Rajeev Menon, President – Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International, in the presence of MR Jaishankar, Executive Chairman, Brigade Enterprises Limited, Vineet Verma, Director – Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited, Ranju Alex – Regional Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International and Kiran Andicot – Regional Vice President, Hotel Development South Asia, Marriott International to witness this exciting collaboration that will further expand the footprint of Marriott’s presence in Southern India. “We are excited to deepen our longstanding relationship with Marriott International through the addition of six distinctive hotels to our portfolio – Courtyard by Marriott Chennai World Trade Center, Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru International Airport, Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Brigade Valencia, The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, Kerala, JW Marriott Chennai OMR, and the Thiruvananthapuram Marriott Hotel World Trade Center. Each of these projects reflects our belief in the long-term potential of the Indian hospitality industry and our commitment to bringing thoughtfully designed, high-quality hotels to both business and leisure travelers. With Marriott’s trusted brands and global standards, we are confident these new hotels will set new benchmarks in their respective markets.” Said MR Jaishankar, Executive Chairman, Brigade Enterprises Limited “Our growth strategy focuses on being present where our guests want us to be, as we continue to meet the growing demand for luxury travel experiences and world-class hospitality services” remarked Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Today’s signed agreement underscores our long-standing relationship with the Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited, and leveraging the strength of our diverse brand portfolio, we are confident these new developments will meet the needs of travelers, for every trip purpose”. Courtyard by Marriott Chennai World Trade Center: Anticipated to open in FY 2027, Courtyard by Marriott Chennai World Trade Center is expected to comprise 45 thoughtfully designed guestrooms and two dining outlets. Design plans include a modern, well equipped fitness centre and the brand’s timeless, classic style of inviting spaces and seamless service, allowing for comfort, convenience and connectivity. Located within close proximity to the largest commercial office complexes within the city, the hotel will hold the additional benefit of being within 13 kms from the Chennai International Airport. The hotel will be part of a mixed-use development that includes the World Trade Center, a residential complex and retail outlets. Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru International Airport: Located in close proximity to the airport, Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru International Airport will also offer easy access to the main business hubs of the city. The hotel is anticipated to open its doors in FY 2028, expected to house 224 well-appointed rooms, including suites. Each guestroom will be designed to be impactful and unique, while addressing the functional needs of the Fairfield guest for a seamless experience. Plans also include for the hotel to feature expansive conferencing and banqueting spaces, two dining venues, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa. Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Brigade Valencia: Located in the South of Bengaluru, a thriving IT corridor and home to several multinational companies, the Fairfield by Marriott Bengaluru Brigade Valencia is slated to open in FY 2028, anticipated to feature 151 keys. Evoking a feeling of warmth, the hotel’s public spaces will feature an inviting design and calm aesthetic with open layouts, multifunctional spaces and natural light. The rooms will be designed with the modern traveler in mind, allowing for productivity on the road without overcomplicating the stay. Dining options plan to include a three-meal restaurant and a bar. Additional hotel amenities are expected to feature a swimming pool, a fitness centre and a spa. The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, Kerala: Slated to welcome guests and residents in FY 2029, The Ritz-Carlton Vaikom Island, Kerala will bring the brand’s timeless elegance, forward-thinking design and authentic transformative experiences, to Kerala, Southern India’s most serenely beautiful state. Blending exclusivity with refined elegance, with plans to feature a 70-key all-villa retreat, this property will offer refined accommodations, each with a private pool. The resort will have a strong focus on wellness and will also be ideal for weddings and leisure getaways with the option of full resort buyouts. Plans for the property include five distinct dining venues, a swimming pool, a fitness center and The Ritz-Carlton Spa. The property will be accessible via a picturesque 120-minute drive from Kochi Airport or a scenic 40-minute to 60-minute speedboat journey through the tranquil backwaters from Bolgatty Jetty in Kochi. JW Marriott Chennai OMR: Anticipated to open in FY 2030, JW Marriott Chennai OMR is expected to feature 250 stylishly appointed guest rooms and suites, serving as a haven for travelers who seek a luxury escape paired with exceptional service and holistic well-being experiences. Inviting guests to fully embrace the here and now, design plans for the resort comprise multiple tranquil wellness spaces, including the brand’s signature Spa by JW, a swimming pool, and a fitness center. Plans for the hotel also include a JW Garden and five distinct culinary experiences. The meeting and event venues are expected to encompass 1,400 square meters of versatile, naturally lit spaces, thoughtfully designed to accommodate gatherings of all scales. This hotel will cater to the growing bleisure segment, meeting expectations of modern travelers. Sitting at an excellent location on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) known as Chennai’s IT corridor, the property will be a 45-minute drive from the Chennai International Airport. With this Thiruvananthapuram Marriott Hotel World Trade Center: The flagship Marriott Hotels brand is expected to expand its footprint, bringing its renowned wonderful hospitality to Thiruvananthapuram, the capital and largest city of the southern state of Kerala, India. The Thiruvananthapuram Marriott Hotel World Trade Center, will be part of a mixed-use development project, expected to feature 200 modern and inviting rooms and five distinct dining venues, including the Greatroom Lobby, a vibrant, open space designed for guests to connect, work, or unwind over curated food and beverage offerings, and the brand’s signature M Club. With approximately 1,115 square feet of versatile meeting space, the hotel is slated to cater to social gatherings, business meetings, and everything in between. Plans also include an outdoor swimming pool, a fully equipped Fitness Centre and the indulgent Quan Spa. The hotel will be part of a mixed-use development that includes the World Trade Center. Anticipated to open in FY 2030, the hotel will sit at a convenient 20-minute drive from The Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.
Digi Yatra’s SSI-based facial biometrics facilitate 61 Mn+ seamless air travel experiences
Digi Yatra, a Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) based ecosystem utilising facial authentication technology for seamless passenger processing at airports, has crossed 15 million application downloads. This remarkable milestone underscores the platform’s potential to revolutionise the airport experience for millions of passengers through biometric-enabled, contactless airport journeys. With soaring adoption, Digi Yatra continues to redefine the future of air travel by ensuring privacy-first, efficient, and hassle-free movement through Indian airports. Since its inception in December 2022, Digi Yatra has facilitated more than 60+ million frictionless journeys, seamlessly integrating advanced facial authentication technology at 24 airports nationwide. With an average of 30,000 daily app downloads and an expected approx 16.5 million downloads by August 2025, the platform continues to set new standards in digital travel innovation, cementing its position as a trusted companion for millions. Commenting on this landmark achievement, Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO, Digi Yatra Foundation, said: "“Reaching the 15 million user milestone is a strong reaffirmation of the growing trust in Digi Yatra’s vision to deliver a seamless, secure, and future-ready travel experience. In 2024, initiatives like the ‘d-KYC’ campaign, expansion to Tier-II airports, helped us connect with a wider audience. As we look ahead, our focus remains on expanding our footprint, improving user features, and setting new global benchmarks in passenger identity management. Strengthening multilingual accessibility remains a key commitment as we work to make the platform even more inclusive and user-friendly. Our long-term vision is to establish Digi Yatra as the ‘Travel Stack of India’, offering a secure, private, and efficient identity verification system across both physical and digital gateways”. Digi Yatra is set to expand its footprint by introducing its biometric-based system at four additional airports, namely, Chandigarh, Thiruvananthapuram, Mangaluru, and Srinagar, in the coming months. Additionally, the platform is rolling out support for all 22 official Indian languages, enabling passengers to navigate airport processes in their preferred language. The upcoming Digi Yatra 2.0, currently in testing, will further enhance functionality and extend support for international travel, pending coordination with regulatory bodies. The platform is also gearing up for an international pilot program, enabling inbound travelers with e-passports to experience its seamless ecosystem. Through its strategic collaboration with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) under the One-ID X Digi Yatra framework, the platform is aligning with global standards to facilitate smoother international travel. By 2028, Digi Yatra aims to serve nearly 80 percent of domestic air travelers in India, up from the current 30-35 percent, while exploring integrations with airlines and online travel agencies to streamline boarding pass sharing.
Kerala Tourism partners with Malaysia Airlines for ‘Look East’ campaign
In a major push to attract visitors from East Asia, Kerala Tourism has partnered with Malaysia Airlines to roll out the ambitious ‘Look East’ campaign. The initiative was officially launched with a B2B meet and a specially organised familiarisation (FAM) trip involving tour operators and social media influencers from eight countries. Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas inaugurated the event, describing it as a strategic move to boost tourist arrivals from nations such as China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia, Indonesia, New Zealand, Vietnam, and Laos. “This collaboration with Malaysia Airlines marks a significant step forward in realising Kerala Tourism’s global expansion strategy,” said the minister. He emphasised that the partnership opens up new possibilities for reaching emerging markets in the East. Tourism Secretary Biju K said, The ‘Look East’ campaign is designed as a mutually beneficial partnership. This is not just a promotional effort—it’s a collaborative venture involving airlines, the hospitality sector, tour operators, and local service providers.” He added that the campaign’s first phase includes hosting a 75-member delegation comprising influencers and 40 outbound tour operators from the target countries. The visitors will engage with local stakeholders, artisans, and cultural communities to gain a deeper understanding of Kerala’s tourism offerings. Malaysia Airlines’ CCO, Dersenish Aresandiran, noted Thiruvananthapuram’s growing importance as a strategic outbound hub. He announced the airline’s plan to gradually increase flight frequency to the city, aiming for daily services in the near future. “This is more than just launching a route—it’s a long-term commitment to Kerala’s tourism growth. By connecting Kerala with East Asia, Australia, and beyond, we aim to highlight both Malaysian hospitality and Kerala’s unique charm, Dersenish said. He also mentioned that the airline has flown in its top global trade partners to experience Kerala firsthand, reinforcing its commitment to promoting inbound tourism via Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia Airlines continues to upgrade its services with advanced aircraft, diverse in-flight cuisine, seamless connectivity, and free Wi-Fi. The event was attended by key dignitaries, including Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Smt Arya Rajendran, District Panchayat President P Suresh Kumar, Tourism Secretary Biju K, Malaysia Aviation Group’s Chief Commercial Officer Mr Dersenish Aresandiran, and Tourism Director Sikha Surendran. Highlighting the enhanced regional access, Riyas said the initiative would strengthen connectivity with countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, and New Zealand. He called on industry stakeholders to make full use of the opportunity to attract more tourists from these markets. The minister also noted that Kerala’s Legislative Assembly had unanimously supported the initiative, cutting across political lines—a testament to its strategic importance. Tourism Director Sikha Surendran presented an in-depth overview of Kerala Tourism, showcasing its wide range of attractions to the visiting delegation. The ‘Look East’ campaign signals Kerala’s intent to explore new and emerging tourism markets in East Asia, moving beyond its traditional visitor base.
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