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From ‘Destined-ations’ to ‘Romantasy Retreat’s, Booking.com gives us the Top 10 Trends Defining Travel in 2026
Representative Image The 10th Edition of Travel Predictions reveals that travellers in 2026 are embracing ultra-personalised journeys that reflect their quirks, goals and passions. Travel has always been personal, but in 2026 it will move far beyond one-size-fits-all itineraries. In 2026, travellers will reject conventions and lean into passions that feel distinctive and truly their own. From adrenaline-fueled compatibility tests to mystical detours and stays in futuristic homes, every trip becomes a bold expression of individuality and identity: this is who I am, this is what I want and this is what I love. Now in the tenth year, Booking.com’s Travel Predictions spotlights how people want to experience the world. Over the years, these insights have revealed shifts in travel, from Cool-cationers chasing cooler climates given extreme heat to Conscious Travellers reshaping destination choices through social and environmental awareness. Looking ahead to 2026, the research shows travellers are eager to let their true selves shine, quirks and all, with technology playing a major role in making it possible for travellers to experience ultra-personalised trips with the people who understand them best. Based on insights from more than 29,000 travellers across 33 countries and territories, Booking.com reveals that vacations are becoming more individual, more experimental and more unapologetically true to who travellers really are. 2026 is the year to travel your way: Ditching the cookie-cutter itineraries and defining your personal style. While 2025 saw travellers throw the vacation rulebook out of the window, next year, it’s all about authentically embracing yourself through travel. 1) Romantasy Retreats: Escaping Into Enchanted Worlds For centuries, books have been travel companions, carried in suitcases and read on trains, planes, beaches and beyond. In 2026, with genres like romantasy exploding in popularity, the relationship between stories and journeys enters a new chapter as travellers step not just into novels, but into the fantasy worlds of dragons, fairies and other mythical creatures. In 2026 vacations are becoming a way to enter the world of fantasy. 91% of Indian travellers say they’d be interested in visiting a destination inspired by romantasy, signalling a growing appetite for travel that blends fantasy and storytelling. 79% are open to participating in role-play retreats inspired by their favourite fantasy games, books, or films — showing a move from passive sightseeing to active, character-led experiences. 40% are definitely interested in making such immersive, fantasy-driven escapes part of their future travel plans, reflecting a shift toward emotion-rich, imaginative tourism in 2025. Technology is turning the page of this new escapism, with nine in ten Indian travellers (90%) open to AI-powered suggestions that match fantasy aesthetics, recommend secluded “storybook” stays, or pinpoint real-world filming locations. 2) Humanoid Homes: The Future of Vacation Rentals Vacation homes have long been prized for space and privacy, but 2026 will see an evolution into something far more futuristic: homes enhanced by humanoid helpers. Indians are ready to embrace this next frontier of comfort-meets-curiosity, with 94% open to booking a robotic-enhanced home. Practical perks lead the way as nearly half of those interested (44%) say cleaning bots would sway their booking choice, while 37% are most excited about a robotic chef over a third (39%) want robots managing sustainability behind the scenes. But it’s not just about convenience. For many, it’s the novelty (32%) or even the bragging rights (33%) of staying in a home that feels straight out of science fiction. These “humanoid homes” blur the line between practicality and play, redefining the vacation rental experience. Imagine checking into a vacation home where a cleaning bot takes care of the mess, a robotic chef whips up dinner (and does the dishes), and smart systems quietly optimize water, energy and waste in the background. 3) Turbulence Test: Love, Friendship, and Teamwork on Trial Vacations aren’t just for recharging, in 2026 they will become the ultimate compatibility check as many travellers plan to use time away to test the strength of their relationships: romantic, platonic or even professional. A majority (88%) of Indian travellers are open to taking a trip with a potential partner, colleague or new friend specifically to see how well they click, with the ways travellers are testing relationships as creative as they are revealing. 84% would consider traveling to a remote location to see how their companion handles ambiguity and discomfort. Another 82% are intrigued by role-reversal retreats, where the usual planner hands over control or the introvert takes the lead and 80% would embrace travel with severe constraints, such as budget limits, language barriers, or limited connectivity. Meanwhile, 85% would take the backseat themselves to see if their travel partner steps up to plan the trip. Gen Z travellers are the most experimental of all, with 88% open to custom itineraries designed to simulate real-life dynamics and test connections in ways that will either soar or stall. 4) Shelf-ie Souvenirs: Turning Kitchen Shelves into Cultural Showcases In 2026, the humble kitchen cupboard is becoming a cultural canvas, filled with travel souvenirs that reflect personal taste, design flair and a story of place. These shelf-ie souvenirs are moving from fridge magnets to pantry shelves, with travellers increasingly seeking edible and design-led treasures that turn everyday kitchens into showcases of global culture. 84% of Indian travellers say they would consider buying design-led kitchenware or pantry items on vacation, from hand-painted spice jars to tins of artisan olive oil that double as décor 79% say they would even consider travelling to a destination specifically known for its pantry products or kitchenware. This shift is as much about meaning as aesthetics. A third (33%) say edible souvenirs help them relive a destination each time they cook, while 37% value how these items showcase local craft, sustainability, and traditional methods. For others, exclusivity and style play a role, with 30% choosing destinations for rare souvenirs, limited-edition cookware or packaging that looks as good on a shelf as it does on social media. 5) Roadtrip Rewired: Embracing Shared Journeys on the Open Road The classic road trip is shifting gears in 2026, moving beyond family and friend convoys to embrace spontaneity and discovery, including new companions along the way, with 97% of Indian travellers open to carpooling on vacation and 85% willing to use an app to find travellers on a similar route. Travellers are drawn to road trips that make travel more spontaneous and flexible (93%), lets them meet new people (92%), and allows them to share driving responsibilities (88%). For non-drivers especially, carpooling and autonomous vehicles transform previously inaccessible routes into shared adventures, expanding a sense of freedom. Younger generations are leading the way, with 87% of Indian Gen Z open to using self-drive vehicles or AI to shape their routes, compared with just half of Boomers. Technology continues to unlock new possibilities in other ways on the road as well, with 86% of Indian travellers saying they would use AI or generative AI to map scenic, off-the-beaten-track routes tailored to their trip desires. The journey itself is no longer just about the drive, rather a space for connection and memorable experiences with fellow adventurers. 6) Destined-ations: Travel Written in the Stars In 2026, the stars won’t just inform horoscopes and star signs, they will shape travel plans. From moon phases to astrology, mystical practices will become a new compass to guide travel decisions, turning vacations into journeys that feel spiritually aligned and cosmically approved. Almost eight out of ten Indian travellers (74%) say they would consider changing or cancelling their plans if a spiritual advisor or guide suggested it was not the right time, while 70% would reconsider trips based on a horoscope warning and two third (66%) would adjust if Mercury was in retrograde. Many actively seek experiences that align with mystical or astrological cues. 64% say they consider such influences when planning vacations, from timing trips with moon phases or solstices to visiting energy-rich sites. Gen Z (73%) and more than half of millennials (63%) are particularly attuned to this sense of spiritual exploration, proving that for younger generations, the path to self-discovery might just be written in the stars. 7) Glow-cations: Skincare Specific Travel, Driven by Tech Wellness travel will get a serious glow-up in 2026 with 93% of Indian travellers open to booking a dedicated glow-cation featuring multiple skin-specific treatments tailored to their personal skincare needs. What used to be simple spa escapes are transforming into high-tech (more than eight in ten Indians (86%) saying they would consider using AI to identify destinations aligned with their personal skin needs), high-touch journeys centered on the body’s largest organ: the skin. The appetite for personalisation runs deeper than ever, with a similar 86% open to personalised hydration stations that adapt to local climate and activity, while 80% are intrigued by smart mirrors analysing pores and hydration to provide real-time skincare advice. Sleep optimisation is also central, with 86% interested in enhancement suites designed with circadian lighting and soundscapes to improve rest, a vital factor in skin repair and regeneration. From ancient thermal rituals to cutting-edge DNA and microbiome testing, glow-cations mark a new era of skin specific wellness travel, where the goal is not just to recharge, but to return home visibly renewed. 8) Hushed Hobbies: Quiet Pursuits for a Louder Sense of Calm Silence will be golden in 2026, as Indian travellers look to swap the noise of daily life and distractions of an overstimulating world for the soothing stillness of nature to restore their sense of calm. It's all about finding solitude by connecting with nature's hobbies that require a little patience. 56% of Indian travellers say they would vacation to feel closer to nature, including 50% of Gen Z, reflecting a growing desire for restorative, mindful escapes. Nearly one in four (23%) are turning to “quieter” hobbies on vacation, seeking rituals of patience, reflection, and stress relief. Nature-based activities such as insect spotting, birdwatching, fishing and foraging are gaining popularity as travellers look to observe and connect more deeply with the outdoors. 91% would consider staying at a hotel offering foraging experiences in local wilderness hotspots, 90% would consider fishing or birdwatching as part of their travel plans and 83% would consider moth/butterfly watching or insect spotting during their vacation. Even in this quest for quiet, technology has a subtle role to play as an enabler, from apps that identify butterflies and birds in real time to AI tools that suggest trails, habitats or seasonal migration patterns. By slowing down and letting nature take the lead, travellers are redefining what it means to recharge by finding clarity not in doing more, but in embracing less. 9) PastPorts: Where Memories Become Destinations In 2026, nostalgia will no longer be something we leave in the past, it will become something we can step back into, with technology making it possible. For many, these trips are deeply emotional, rooted in the desire to relive meaningful moments and share them with others. A majority of Indian travellers (89%) say they would consider recreating a memory or photo by using technology to identify the exact location it was taken and then traveling there. More than half of these travellers (56%) say their main motivation would be to revisit a memory with family or close friends, while 49% are drawn to destinations that make them feel young, connected or at home. 44% even see these journeys as milestones, whether to reflect on personal growth, reconnect with people from the past or even gain closure by returning to places tied to difficult memories. What makes this movement new is how technology fuels the timeless human urge to remember. With AI-powered photo mapping and heritage-tracing platforms, memories can transform into maps and old snapshots into future trip itineraries as travellers pinpoint the exact spot where a moment once happened and stand in it. Beyond nostalgia, travellers are using innovation to trace ancestral roots, bond across generations through storytelling, or even recreate photos for sharing in ways that feel both timeless and new. 10) Modern Milestone Missions: Travel That Celebrates YOU Travellers in 2026 will rewrite the rule rulebook on when and why. No longer reserved for weddings, honeymoons, anniversaries or having a baby, today’s milestones are deeply personal as societal norms continue to shift and evolve. More than two-thirds (71%) of Indian travellers say they don’t need a reason to book a trip, while almost a third (31%) say they’d go to a dream destination without waiting for a “traditional” milestone to make it worthy. This new wave of modern milestone missions highlights how travellers are embracing personal achievements on their own terms and using travel as a way of celebrating their individuality. 81% of Indians justify booking a vacation simply because they’ve worked hard and deserve it, while new reasons to book a trip are rising to the forefront: toasting a new job or promotion (34%), showing off a new outfit (18%), marking the closure of a breakup (15%) and receiving a surprise tax refund (13%). Health and wellbeing achievements are also emerging as powerful motivators, with 32% traveling to mark milestones like sobriety or fitness transformations. At its core, modern milestone missions are about traveling for whatever brings you joy, celebrates individuality and lets you be unapologetically you. Santosh Kumar, Regional Manager, South Asia at Booking.com said: “As we step into 2026, travel is shifting from a simple getaway and to a form of self-expression. Journeys are now intimately built around interests that were once considered too niche or personal to explore. Travellers are using trips to test their relationships, step into fantasy worlds, transform their homes through culinary souvenirs and reimagine familiar experiences like road trips and vacation rentals with cutting-edge technology. At Booking.com, we’re continuously evolving to meet this demand, ensuring every traveller can easily find the choice, flexibility and convenience needed to turn their dream trip into reality.”
Air Canada is offering passengers up to 20,000 points for autumn bookings
Travellers can gain up to 20,000 points when booking flights from the UK with Air Canada this autumn. To qualify, members of Aeroplan, Air Canada’s frequent flyer programme, must book a round trip or two one-way tickets for any destination beyond Canada that the airline flies to. This offer is for bookings made between 20 October and 20 November 2025. For example, an Economy Flex from London to Cancun, via Toronto, is considered a one-way trip that qualifies for 10,000 bonus Aeroplan points. Passengers flying two one-way trips via Canada or those with a return ticket are eligible for 20,000 airmiles. Air Canada passengers who book two one-way tickets or a round trip from the UK to Canada during the same period can earn up to 15,000 points. The offer applies to flights from London Heathrow, Manchester or Edinburgh that are taken between 20 October 2025 and 30 June 2026. Aeroplan members who take up this offer can use as little as 6,000 bonus points to redeem a flight within the US, or just 7,500 points for a European flight with one of Air Canada’s partners. Flight redemption bookings and tickets bought with a combination of points and cash are not eligible for this offer.
Emerging Travel Group sees surge in Turkey bookings this year
Global travel conglomerate Emerging Travel Group (ETG) reports an increase of around 15 percent in bookings to Turkey on its platforms from January to September of this year. The growth seen on RateHawk, Roundtrip, and ZenHotels was primarily driven by B2B users, both travel agents and business travellers. That said, bookings in their categories rose by 35 percent year-on-year. According to ETG's head of direct supply Simone Large: "Turkey consistently ranks among the top booked destinations across our platforms, drawing strong demand from a wide range of travelers. As a result, more Turkish property owners are choosing ETG as their trusted partner, which is reflected in an 11 percent year-over-year increase in directly contracted properties. We are committed to building on this momentum and aim to double the number of direct accommodation supply in Turkey by summer.” Relevant findings ETG’s analytics show both similarities and differences in travel preferences across all the Group’s platforms. In most cases, all travelers chose Istanbul, Antalya, and Alanya, which consistently ranked at the top of all the company’s services. At the same time, individual tourists more frequently opted for seaside towns such as Kaş, Manavgat, Kemer, Marmaris. Travel agents booking accommodations for their clients through the RateHawk platform also chose for their trips Belek, Ölüdeniz and Ankara. Corporate clients, in turn, most often visited Istanbul for their business trips, but also opted for other business centers and transport hubs such as Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Mersin. Individual tourists spent an average of €103 per night (ADR), with the majority of bookings made for 3-star and 4-star hotels; meanwhile, corporate clients and travellers working with agents showed a preference for higher-category properties, paying more for their trips. The average nightly spend among these travelers was €156 for bookings made through agents and €218 for corporate bookings, with both groups primarily choosing 4-star and 5-star hotels. Leisure travelers, whether booking trips individually or through agents, demonstrated an increase in trips from May to September, with the highest numbers observed in August and September. Demand from business travelers was relatively stable throughout the year, though a slight increase was also recorded between May and September. How ETG can help Turkish hoteliers make the most of the boom To help Turkish hoteliers capitalize on this growth, Emerging Travel Group helps them diversify their distribution strategy. At the same time, it provides them access to an international, diversified audience, including 20 million monthly guests, more than 120,000 travel professionals, and over 30,000 corporate clients worldwide. As Large puts it: “Partnership with Emerging Travel Group gives property owners access to a wide and diverse audience, including our strong global B2B network of travel agents and corporate clients. Hoteliers in Turkey also benefit from the dedicated support of our local team, who help optimize sales strategies, along with flexible payment solutions and targeted marketing tools. This comprehensive approach enables accommodation providers to secure high-value bookings and maintain steady occupancy throughout the year, even during off-peak seasons."
Marriott Bonvoy Launches Limited-Time Group Booking Offers
For a limited time, Marriott Bonvoy members can unlock two exclusive group booking deals at more than 2,100 participating hotels across the U.S. and Canada. The deals are valid for qualifying events booked between October 1 and December 31, 2025, and hosted by December 31, 2026. The offers include: Double Points Group Offer: Earn up to 200,000 Marriott Bonvoy points for group room blocks of 10 or more rooms and qualifying event spend at participating hotels. Points are doubled based on actualized spend and includes base points, Elite bonus points (if applicable), and promotional points. To take advantage of the promotion, customers can book through the dedicated Double Points landing page and should reference code DB25 to their sales manager. Connect Responsibly Offer: Building upon the program introduced in 2024, meeting planners can embed sustainability into their events at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Group customers can book event space or room blocks of 10 or more rooms with a complimentary carbon offset as part of their event, and a Meeting Impact Report to measure their event’s footprint. The Meeting Impact Report provides a clear estimate of an event’s carbon footprint, evaluating energy use, catering, travel, and room nights, helping make sustainable choices and offset emissions. To take part in the promotion, customers can visit the Connect Responsibly landing page and reference code CR25 when booking. Versatile Spaces for Every Occasion New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District: Once a 19th-century warehouse, this hotel blends historic charm with modern convenience. With over 26,000 sq feet of versatile event space, it’s an ideal setting for conventions, meetings, or social gatherings of any size. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center: Nashville's rich musical history, friendly reputation and diverse scenery make Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center an exciting and unique venue for your next event. With over 766,000 square feet of event space, and 92 event rooms, Gaylord Opryland Resort is primed to deliver a truly flawless meeting experience. W Dallas: Boasting 10 unique venues across 14,000 sq ft, this Victory Park hotel is moments from the Dallas Convention Center. Host meetings in the Great Room before unwinding with a cocktail soirée at Altitude, the hotel’s 33rd-floor event space. Sheraton Grand Seattle: Featuring 77,000 sq ft of flexible space, including the Grand and Metropolitan Ballrooms, this hotel blends style and functionality. Floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic city views, and access to amenities set the stage, while expert event support bring concepts to life. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa: An oceanfront escape with 22 event rooms and nearly 39,000 sq ft of venue space, this resort hosts everything from conferences to incentive trips. Signature experiences like The Sound of Taste, a sensory journey led by Teaker Harris, Jr,. blends blindfolded tastings, curated dishes and live music, adding dimension to any gathering. JW Marriott Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa: Discover 50,000 square feet of modern event space, where striking architecture and thoughtful design set the stage for memorable gatherings. Indoors and out, every detail – including artful settings, seamless service, and inspired environments – is crafted to spark connection and fuel productivity.
From booking to boarding: the tech innovations reshaping global tourism
On 27th September, we marked World Tourism Day and it has been interesting to note how far the industry has come since last year. While the application of sustainable practices had a major role to play in the industry’s growth over the past 12 months, the value of travel technology and the innovations that have come up in recent times cannot be understated. Indeed, it is safe to say that global tourism’s evolution has accelerated considerably thanks to travel tech. For us at Travel Daily Media who have been covering a variety of events as well as developments throughout the world, we’ve seen how technologies are making a difference in terms of convenience, thought leadership, automation, and even the development of more personal experiences for target markets. Will AI-enhanced searches supersede conventional search engines when it comes to travel planning? At Digital Travel APAC 2025 as well as the Singapore MICE Forum 2025, we had the opportunity to sit in on discussions wherein experts pointed out how some travellers are using AI platforms like ChatGPT to aid in the travel planning process. Indeed, some have even gone as far as to book their trips from flights and accommodations to tour experiences on these platforms, essentially eschewing conventional search engines or even online travel platforms. Indeed, having AI at one’s fingertips is akin to having a personal travel management assistant who can help at the drop of a hat. This is what prompted epam’s Darya Efimova to say: “When planning your trip, an AI assistant can help you do everything, from booking your hotel to adding the dates to your calendar. Think of an AI travel assistant as a travel agent, but without an actual human on the other end.” However, does this mean that AI will eventually send search engines and OTAs on the path of the dinosaurs? There are two schools of thought on this, with one side saying no and that these options will be used in tandem or alongside each other, and the other vehemently saying yes. Canadian entrepreneur Arlen Ritchie, co-founder and president of venture studio 3Genius, is firmly in the direct use of AI platforms for booking; however, he feels that it will take a while before the technology gains widespread use and acceptance. Reacting to a related op-ed by Workmatrix GmbH founder Stephan Elsner, Ritchie opined that, at present, OTAs are the easiest path for AI engines to monetise the travel industry. As he puts it: “Travel [is] a very popular category for AI queries, and one of the most lucrative in ecommerce… AI engines will continue to operate free and paid models, which will mean they will be looking for ways to monetise free users.” Ritchie pointed out that low or zero commission models like Agent to Agent (A2) are not easily monetisable by AI engines. At the same time, A2A lacks broad access to real time rates and inventory; also, for A2A tech to work for user searches higher up the travel planning funnel such as hotel shopping, these would require an enormous considerable number of queries to formulate options for users. Ritchie says: “There are various attempts to address this but ultimately it all comes down to incentives and I struggle to see the incentives for AI engines to promote A2A or other alternatives that aren't as easy to tap into or monetise as OTAs.” While those on the other side of the fence say that we will eventually see A2A platforms being used on the regular even as standard search engines and OTAs remain operational, consumer preference and access will dictate what happens in the long run. As Ritchie puts it: “Suppliers cannot shift the market on their own. Supply will follow demand.” The dawn of self-service tech in travel and hospitality We have seen how self-service technology has become part and parcel of the global travel experience over the past half-decade. While initially offered as a way of limiting interpersonal contact as the pandemic waned and borders reopened, self-service kiosks in airports, hotels, and even attractions have made the process easier for many travellers, particularly when it comes to checking in and acquiring documents like boarding passes. On the side of companies and service providers, self-service kiosks have also paved the way for greater operational efficiency as these reduce the need for fallible human intervention whilst streamlining key processes. For travellers, the benefits of self-service technology in tourism goes beyond mere autonomy and convenience; indeed, such technologies have also been instrumental in crafting more personalised experiences for their enjoyment, recognising their specific requirements to customise travel plans. At the same time, going the self-service route decreases the time wasted whilst waiting in queues or hunting down relevant information. On the flip side, companies can take advantage of the information gathered at self-service portals to easily access and analyse customer data. This allows for a better understanding of trends and behaviours which will be instrumental in creating more impactful marketing campaigns and even working solutions in the future. Self-service kiosks may also lead to the creation of new revenue streams and potentially pave the way to future-proof operations for companies in travel, aviation, and hospitality over time. And now… Admittedly, many people balk at the way technology seems to be creeping into the travel experience and they are not very comfortable with it. If you ask us, however, knowing how technology is playing a role in the growth of sectors severely impacted by several years of lying fallow thanks to a global pandemic benefits everyone: not just those employed by companies operating in travel, aviation, and hospitality, but also us as ordinary travellers making our way from one port to another. As with many things that have changed the game over the centuries, we know that there will be resistance to anything new. But one thing is certain: change is inevitable and, with it, industrial, societal, and economic growth.
Hotel Indigo Wuxi Qingming Bridge to accept bookings from 30th September
Hotel Indigo Wuxi Qingming Bridge announced that it will commence accepting bookings from Tuesday, 30th September. Conveniently located approximately 4.3 kilometers from Wuxi Railway Station, 14.1 kilometers from Wuxi East Railway Station, and 12.2 kilometers from Sunan Shuofang International Airport, the hotel offers easy access for both business and leisure travelers. With 141 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites, inspired by Wuxi's "waterfront lanes" and "literary study rooms," each accommodation is equipped with BALMUDA audio systems, Dyson hairdryers, and capsule coffee machines, ensuring a stylish and comfortable stay. Where a storied past meets a stylish present Nestled in the historic Qingming Bridge Ancient Canal Scenic Area, along the picturesque Nanchang Street, the hotel blends the timeless charm of Jiangnan water towns with the rich history of Wuxi, known as the "City of a Thousand Bridges." Inspired by the city's iconic bridges, the hotel combines cultural heritage with modern aesthetics, creating an immersive stay that celebrates both tradition and contemporary lifestyle. At the heart of its design is the concept of the Bridge which symbolises a connection across time and space. Here, the elegance of Jiangnan's waterways meets innovative modern design, offering guests a unique narrative that links past and present. Thus, the hotel serves as an inspiring new starting point for exploring the cultural essence of Wuxi. A touch of tradition Xijin A Neighborhood Café takes inspiration from the culinary traditions of the Grand Canal's historic docks, offering authentic Jiangnan flavors enhanced by modern cooking techniques. An open kitchen adds an interactive dimension, allowing guests to immerse themselves in Wuxi's food culture. The hotel also offers a versatile 240-sqm meeting space for both business and social events, along with a temperature-controlled swimming pool and fitness centre for relaxation and rejuvenation. With its refined design and cultural depth, Hotel Indigo Wuxi Qingming Bridge is more than a place to stay: it is a gateway to discovery, marking the beginning of a unique journey for every guest.
Booking solutions provider Vibe confirms six new clients
Global booking technologies provider Vibe confirmed the continued growth of its corporate business with three new Travel Management Company (TMC) clients and three corporate booking platform providers. The most recent TMCs to sign-up with Vibe include Advantage AMS, Stewart Travel, and Take Two Eton; all three are set to go live soon with corporate platforms powered by Vibe. In addition recently three leading corporate travel platforms have made the switch Vibe: Travel Counsellors for Business, with Vibe now powering myTC online, its corporate booking platform, bringing clients a smoother way to book and manage travel; Roomex, a new rail only booking tool built on Vibe, designed for speed and simplicity; and Venue Options, a combined rail and hotel platform that gives travellers more choice in one place. The UK headquartered Vibe has over 15 years of experience in powering online travel agencies, TMCs and other digital travel sellers. Last year, the company helped clients to cross-sell, up-sell, and increase margins on over 2 million bookings. Vibe’s extensive clientele includes the likes of Qatar Airways Holidays, RAA and RACV in Australia, and Ireland’s leading agency Cassidy Travel. Why shift to Vibe? Vibe co-founder and chief commercial officer Martin Eade opines that more TMCs and corporate booking platforms are switching to vibe because everyone is rethinking the technologies powering their businesses. Eade said: “They want platforms built by travel people for travel people. They want UK-based support teams who know the industry inside out. They want systems that win travellers over, protect margins, showcase their own brand, and make it easier to trade.” He went on to explain that, when the platform works harder for the traveller and the travel manager, adoption goes up, leakage goes down, and clients stay loyal. As Eade puts it: “That is the Vibe effect. Watch this space as we go from strength to strength and announce more wins soon.” Several clients have also pointed out a number of qualities that make Vibe stand out from the competition. These include: Enterprise functionality without the complexity: powerful tools for policy, content and reporting, wrapped in an easy-to-use interface. Brand-first delivery: your platform, your tone of voice, your brand front and centre. Content breadth: from rail only to full multi-channel, with NDC, hotels, and more. Commercial control: trade with confidence using Vibe’s powerful margin management system. Rapid onboarding: get up and running quickly without disrupting your business. Industry expertise and local-based support: a platform designed by people who have worked in travel, supported by a team that understands TMC challenges and puts your brand at the forefront.
ixigo Trains Joins Hands with Delhi Metro (DMRC) & ONDC Network to Launch Metro Ticket Booking Services
(L to R : Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO & COO, ONDC; Sudhir Mittal, GM, DMRC; Aloke Bajpai & Rajnish Kumar, Group CEO, ixigo; Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO ixigo Trains & Confirmtkt) ixigo in partnership with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), has announced the launch of Delhi Metro ticketing on the ixigo Trains app. As part of the collaboration, ixigo Trains now offers QR-based metro tickets, with in-app payments, allowing passengers to save time and enjoy a seamless travel experience. With this integration, ixigo users can now plan and book end-to-end journeys across trains, buses, flights, hotels and now metro - on a single platform. First-time users booking Delhi Metro tickets via the ixigo Trains app will get 100% cashback (up to ₹50) as ixigo money, on tickets booked daily between 9-11 AM. Announcing this collaboration, Dinesh Kumar Kotha, CEO of ixigo Trains & Confirmtkt, said: “At ixigo, our vision is to be the most customer-centric travel company. With millions of Indians already using ixigo daily for their inter-city journeys on trains, buses and flights, this integration with Delhi’s public transport lifeline will allow commuters and travelers a more seamless last-mile journey experience. Delhi Metro is the backbone of daily commute in Delhi-NCR, and enabling instant ticket bookings directly within our app will help passengers save time, avoid long queues, and plan their end-to-end journeys on ixigo. This partnership with DMRC and ONDC reinforces our vision of building a single, connected mobility ecosystem where travellers can move across various modes of travel through one trusted platform, while encouraging a broader shift towards digital-first commuting habits.” Vikas Kumar, Managing Director, DMRC, added: “DMRC is always attempting to adopt new methodologies to make travel more convenient for our commuters. Enabling metro ticketing on a trusted platform like ixigo Trains App gives passengers more flexibility and convenience, while encouraging wider adoption of ticket booking through digital platforms.” Vibhor Jain, Acting CEO & COO, ONDC, said: “The integration of metro ticketing on ixigo is more than a convenience feature. It demonstrates how an open, interoperable network can reimagine the very fabric of urban mobility. Public transport is not just about moving people from point A to B; it is the backbone of inclusive growth, sustainability, and equitable access. As one of the fastest network participants to go live with this capability, ixigo shows how quickly innovation can be unlocked when public and private players integrate on a common digital layer. By connecting metro ticketing with its vast ecosystem of trains, buses, and flights, ixigo is helping ONDC Network to build a unified mobility layer for India, where every commuter has seamless access to multiple modes of transport through open digital infrastructure, without being locked into silos.” The DMRC currently operates nearly 400 km of network across more than a dozen lines and is India’s largest and busiest metro network. In August 2025, it recorded its highest-ever single-day ridership of over 81 Lakh passenger journeys. The Delhi Metro ticketing integration is part of ixigo’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its travel ecosystem and enhance daily commute. Since its launch in 2013, ixigo Trains has introduced several innovations such as Travel Guarantee for waitlisted tickets, live train running status with delay predictions, waitlist predictions, PNR confirmation prediction, ixigo Assured free cancellation service, train alternates and AR-based coach position locators across 7,000+ stations. ixigo’s AI-powered multilingual voice assistant TARA delivers scalable customer support, while its subsidiary Zoop, an IRCTC-authorised e-catering aggregator, enables passengers to pre-order meals on trains for direct delivery on their berth or seat.
A&K Sanctuary opens bookings for Kitirua Plains Lodge
A&K Travel Group’s luxury lodge and camp collection A&K Sanctuary announced that bookings are now open for the Kitirua Plains Lodge, a groundbreaking new property set in Kenya’s iconic Amboseli region. Scheduled to open its doors on 1st June 2026, the all-suite lodge marks Abercrombie & Kent’s return to its heartland six decades after Geoffrey Kent pioneered the modern luxury safari in Kenya. Located within a 128-acre private concession bordering Amboseli National Park and just ten minutes from the park's main gate, Kitirua Plains Lodge is poised to redefine Kenya's safari scene with a bold, design-led vision that honours the pioneering legacy of luxury adventure travel that began here six decades ago. Set against a backdrop of sweeping savannahs, emerald-green marshes, and acacia woodlands, Kitirua Plains Lodge offers uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising on the horizon. As it is right in the heart of elephant country, the lodge’s suites provide a front-row seat to one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes, where herds of elephants roam freely through a timeless wilderness. According to AKTG chief executive Cristina Levis: "Kitirua is a return to our roots, and a bold leap forward. This is a property that honours our heritage whilst looking to the future, a celebration of place, people, and the pioneering spirit that defines A&K. To open this lodge in Kenya, where our story began, feels like coming full circle." Returning to where the concept of luxury safari was born Kenya holds profound significance as the birthplace of Abercrombie & Kent, where in 1962 a young Geoffrey Kent first led guests on thrilling adventures with a trailblazing safari camp unprecedented in its sophistication. That original camp featured Nairobi's finest chef, bartender and maître d', power for electric lights and refrigeration to chill food and, more importantly, champagne. Four canvas tents were furnished with antique rugs, bathtubs and crystal martini glasses, establishing the blueprint for what would become the gold standard in luxury adventure travel. Over 60 years later, that inimitable combination of adventure and comfort remains the foundation for A&K Sanctuary, and nowhere is this legacy more poignantly celebrated than at Kitirua Plains Lodge. Located in the very landscape where the modern luxury safari was born, the lodge embodies A&K's deep-rooted connection to Kenya and represents both a tribute to the past and a bold vision for the future. Architectural masterpiece Set against a backdrop of sweeping savannahs, emerald-green marshes, and acacia woodlands, Kitirua Plains Lodge offers uninterrupted views of Mount Kilimanjaro rising majestically on the horizon. Located in the heart of elephant country, the lodge's suites provide a front-row seat to one of Africa's most iconic landscapes, where herds of elephants roam freely through a timeless wilderness that has captivated explorers and adventurers for generations. A deliberate departure from traditional tented safari camps, Kitirua Plains Lodge is one of A&K Sanctuary's most architecturally adventurous properties to date. Designed in partnership with Luxury Frontiers, renowned for their sustainable and innovative design approach, the lodge's 13 organic standalone suites comprise 11 Suites and two suites with two bedrooms. The suites feature chic, pared-back interiors that allow the vast, cinematic views to take centre stage. Natural textures, woven-rush detailing, and thoughtful design nods to the Maasai way of life ground the experience in a strong sense of place, whilst communal areas are crafted for connection and contemplation. From the serene wellness facilities, which include a spa, gym and swimming pool, to a convivial boma that comes alive with stories under the stars, every detail has been curated to harmonise with the land whilst offering the utmost in comfort and style. Completing Kenya's premier safari circuit Kitirua Plains Lodge joins A&K Sanctuary's established Kenyan portfolio alongside Olonana Lodge in the Maasai Mara and Tambarare Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Together, these three lodges form a perfect circuit for travellers eager to immerse themselves in Kenya's diverse ecosystems and rich cultural heritage, from the Great Migration spectacle of the Mara to the conservation success stories of Ol Pejeta and now the elephant kingdom of Amboseli. At Kitirua Plains Lodge, guests can embark on daily game drives across a rich mosaic of habitats, from open plains to seasonal wetlands, encountering elephants, lions, cheetahs, and an extraordinary array of birdlife. With access to a private concession and direct proximity to Amboseli National Park, the experience combines exclusivity with ecological diversity. For a more immersive perspective, guests can enjoy cultural visits with the local Maasai community who offer authentic insight into the heritage of the region. Whether stargazing around the boma fire or gliding silently over the savannah in a hot air balloon, every experience is designed to connect guests deeply to the land, its people, and its stories, in the spirit of adventure and discovery that Geoffrey Kent first championed in these very landscapes.
OYO records 20% YOY growth in summer holiday bookings
Representative Image Global hospitality technology company OYO has reported a 20% year-on-year (YoY) increase in summer holiday bookings. Coorg topped the chart with 480% growth in bookings followed by Tirupati and Vishakhapatnam with 84% and 82% growth respectively. Additionally, Kochi also emerged as one of the most popular destinations with 77% YoY growth in bookings. These insights are drawn from booking trends observed between April and June 2025 (Q1 FY26). The booking data further indicates that the growth was driven by a surge in family vacations and group travel, with religious tourism emerging as a key trend. Travelers also favored short-haul getaways to destinations like Shimla, Nainital, Manali, Mussoorie, and Pondicherry, while there was a notable rise in interest for offbeat locations such as Chikmagalur (Karnataka), Pachmarhi (Madhya Pradesh), Mount Abu (Rajasthan), and Lansdowne (Himachal Pradesh). The surge in bookings was significantly driven by two long weekends in April, which includes Mahavir Jayanti and Vaisakhi (April 10–13), and Good Friday and Easter (April 18–20) as travelers took advantage of the extended breaks to visit nearby leisure hotspots. Other key weekends, including Buddha Purnima (May 10–12) and Eid-ul-Adha (June 6–8), also saw strong demand, particularly across North India, further fueling the overall growth in bookings. Additionally, OYO Total Holidays, OYO’s integrated travel services platform offering end-to-end holiday solutions, has also contributed to this growth through strategic partnerships with leading airlines, local transport providers, top-rated restaurants, and government-certified guides ensuring seamless travel experience. From easy bookings and smooth transfers to curated experiences and 24/7 assistance, the platform is designed to make every trip memorable, convenient, and hassle-free. Commenting on the development, Varun Jain, Chief Operating Officer, OYO said: "The growth is an outcome of our sustained expansion efforts in key leisure markets and a sharpened focus on premium and family travel segments. With an enhanced portfolio of more than 1300 company-serviced hotels, OYO is well-positioned to sustain this momentum through the upcoming festive and winter travel seasons. OYO also launched limited-period complimentary stays at over 1,100 company-serviced hotels in popular holiday destinations across India during the summer vacations which encouraged repeat visits driving the surge in bookings during this period. OYO’s focus on promoting summer holiday travel aligns with the government’s agenda to boost domestic tourism by improving accessibility and affordability. By expanding its network of company-serviced hotels in key leisure and tier-2 destinations, OYO is helping disperse tourist traffic beyond metros. Its tech-driven booking platform makes travel more convenient for families, solo travelers, and women groups. This complements government efforts under schemes like Swadesh Darshan and UDAN to develop regional tourism circuits.
Direct Booking Summit Bangkok 17 to 18 November 2021
The Direct Booking Summit unites hundreds of hoteliers together - from savvy independents to international chains - to strategize, network and drive the Direct Booking Movement forward.
Digital Travel Europe – 19-20 November 2025
The Premier Gathering for Digital Innovators from Europe's Top Travel Brands
TDM Global Summit Singapore – 2025
November 24, 2025 | 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM SGT | InterContinental® Singapore , 80 Middle Road, Singapore 188966 DOWNLOAD
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Indonesia 2025
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
Maximum Occupancy Melbourne – 11th November 2025
Maximum Occupancy Melbourne 11th November 2025 Maximum Occupancy stands as APAC’s foremost hotel conference, tailored by industry leaders for
ITE Hong Kong 2025 – 12 June (Thu)-15 June (Sun) 2025
The 20th MICE Travel Expo co-locating with the 39th ITE Hong Kong will be held from 12 to 15 June 2025 at Hall 1 of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Hong Kong 2026
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives,
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Asia 2025
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Malaysia 2025
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Thailand 2025
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East 2025
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Hong Kong 2024
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives,
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Malaysia 2024
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Asia 2024
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Middle East 2024
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards Thailand 2024
Introducing the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards, a prestigious awards programme recognising the pinnacle of excellence in the travel industry. With a keen focus on honouring the best hotels, airlines, airports, cruise lines, tour operators and travel agencies, booking platforms, and travel technology, projects, and initiatives, the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards programme aims to spotlight key players that consistently redefine industry standards and elevate customer experiences.
HEDNA Bangkok – September 11-12 2023
The agenda will bring a wide array of current topics in our industry to the main stage. You’ll hear from experts in Distribution, Fintech and Payments, Marketplaces, Leading Executives and of course our Hoteliers will be bringing their perspectives to these topics and so much more.
October 2023 – Digital Travel USA
Digital Travel is the flagship conference for travel executives who are looking to be part of this transformation and re-imagine the customer journey. Join the top minds from hotels, OTAs, airlines, transportation companies, and everything in-between, to share practical insight on how to enhance personalization and improve their online strategies for better cross-channel experiences.
World Travel Mart 2022 – London
With consumer behaviour and booking patterns now changing, the upcoming 43rd edition of World Travel Market London will be showcasing how the industry has evolved and reshaped itself over the last two years to meet the demands of the new consumer market. This is truly a must-attend show that will bring the industry together and really determine the direction in which it is headed.
Maximum Occupancy 2022: Sheraton Grand Sydney, 5-6 April 2022
Maximum Occupancy is Australia’s premier hotel and accommodation industry conference, designed for and by the hotel industry's leaders. Suited for all types of hotel and accommodation providers and sizes, it will feature over 35+ leading industry experts and speakers from around Australia and the globe. This is THE event for any hotelier that wants to achieve maximum occupancy month after month.