Tourism Malaysia Sales Mission 2026 in Delhi boosts India-Malaysia ties, unveils Visit Malaysia 2026-27 roadmap led by Director General, Mohd Amirul Rizal
 

The sales mission brought together 47 Malaysian tourism stakeholders, comprising tour operators, hoteliers and airline partners, to strengthen trade partnerships, expand business opportunities and reinforce Malaysia's position as a preferred destination for Indian travellers. The programme also served as a platform for business-to-business (B2B) engagements, networking and the development of new travel opportunities between Malaysian and Indian tourism stakeholders.

The mission was led by Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and organised in collaboration with Batik Air, reflecting the strong public- private partnership in promoting Malaysia as a premier tourism destination.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said, “India remains one of Tourism Malaysia's most important and fastest-growing source markets. While the current geopolitical developments and evolving international travel landscape may influence travel sentiment in certain regions, Tourism Malaysia remains committed to maintaining a strong presence in the market and ensuring Malaysia remains top of mind among Indian travellers. This calls for sustained, targeted and market-driven promotional efforts, supported by close collaboration with our airline partners and the travel trade.”

Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal added, “Through this sales mission, we aim to strengthen business partnerships, generate new commercial opportunities and encourage our industry partners to develop more attractive and competitive travel packages tailored to the Indian market. At the same time, we want to inspire travellers to explore destinations beyond the traditional Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands itineraries.”
 

"Destinations such as Sarawak, Langkawi, Penang, Johor and Sabah offer tremendous potential for the Indian market, featuring diverse experiences ranging from nature, adventure and island holidays to cultural heritage, gastronomy, shopping, family attractions, MICE and destination weddings. Promoting these destinations more extensively will encourage longer stays, higher visitor spending and repeat visitation."

India continues to be one of Malaysia's key international source markets, supported by an extensive network of more than 190 direct flights weekly, offering a seat capacity of over 37,000 seats per week. This strong air connectivity provides seamless access to Malaysia and continues to support sustained growth in visitor arrivals.

The market also continues to record encouraging performance. Following the introduction of visa-free travel for Indian nationals in December 2023, Malaysia welcomed more than 1.5 million visitor arrivals from India in 2025, placing India among Malaysia's top five international source markets, alongside Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and China. This positive momentum is expected to continue through 2026 and beyond.

With the Visit Malaysia campaign extended through 2027, Tourism Malaysia will further intensify its promotional initiatives in India to sustain the momentum generated under Visit Malaysia 2026 while building a stronger pipeline of visitors for the extended campaign period. The extension provides greater opportunities to deepen industry collaboration, maintain Malaysia's destination visibility and strengthen market confidence amid an evolving global tourism environment.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

Agoda Reveals Europe's 2026 Summer Travel Interest to Asia: Searches to India climb

The United Kingdom was the largest European market driving travel interest to India, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, France, and Italy, based on accommodation search volumes.

While these markets saw the highest overall travel interest, several emerging European markets recorded notable year-on-year growth in accommodation searches compared to 2025. Slovakia led with a 148 percent increase, followed by Croatia at 128 percent and Ireland at 88 percent.

For Europeans, July and August mark the height of summer and a peak travel period, when schools break and holiday plans come to life. In 2026, Thailand retains its crown as the most-searched Asian destination among European travelers for the second consecutive year, Indonesia shifts to second place, and Japan takes third.

Across the top 20 destinations, India saw the most notable year-on-year growth in European searches at 14percent , followed by South Korea at 13 percent  and Vietnam at 12 percent . These three markets stand out as the region's fastest rising European summer travel interest, pointing to a growing appetite for diverse itineraries beyond Asia's traditional hotspots.

Among destinations within India, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Goa emerged as the most-searched cities among European travelers for summer 2026. As India's primary international gateways, New Delhi and Mumbai serve as key metropolitan hubs that connect travelers to destinations across the country while also offering rich cultural, culinary, and urban experiences. Complementing these gateway cities, Goa continues to attract European visitors with its beaches, vibrant hospitality scene, and laid-back coastal charm.

New Delhi attracts travelers with its rich history, iconic monuments, and vibrant cultural heritage, while Mumbai continues to draw visitors with its cosmopolitan energy, culinary scene, and entertainment offerings. Goa remains a perennial favourite for its beaches, laid-back lifestyle, and unique mix of Portuguese heritage, nightlife, and coastal experiences, making it one of India's most sought-after leisure destinations.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda, said, "India's growing popularity among European travelers reflects a broader shift in how international visitors are discovering the country. Beyond iconic landmarks, travelers are increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences, wellness retreats, culinary journeys, and nature-led escapes. The strong year-on-year search growth from both established and emerging European markets highlights India's expanding appeal as a diverse and value-driven destination. At Agoda, we connect travelers to India with great accommodation, flight and activity deals, helping them explore both renowned destinations and lesser-known gems."

In Europe, the top five origin markets of France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Spain remain consistent from 2025 to 2026, a sign that Europe’s most enthusiastic Asia travelers are as keen as ever. However, other European markets have also seen growing interest: Türkiye leads with a 39 percent increase in Asian destination searches, followed by Hungary (22 percent) and Czech Republic (16 percent). This signals that interest in Asian travel is spreading further across the European continent, with Central and Eastern European travelers increasingly joining the Asia-bound wave.

As European travelers finalize their summer plans, Agoda continues to offer seamless bookings across more than six million holiday properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities worldwide. To find the best deals for summer travel to Asia and beyond, visit Agoda.com or download the Agoda mobile app.

About the Data 
All data is based on accommodation search data on Agoda from 1 April to 30 June 2026, for stays between 1 July and 31 August 2026, compared to the same period in 2025.

About Agoda 
Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG), employs over 7,500 people globally, and is dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel easy and affordable.

Navina Jafa, expert in heritage tourism and Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India

Through The India Culture Travel Index, Skyscanner analysed the evolving behaviours driving culture-led travel in India. The findings uncover five defining trends that together form the R.O.O.T.S. of India's growing culture-led travel movement:

R - Rediscovering heritage

Heritage continues to be the strongest driver of culture-led travel. It is the top motivator for Indian travellers, with 47% saying they would plan a trip around heritage and historical sites. Kerala, Rajasthan and Uttarakhand rank among the country's leading cultural destinations, reflecting travellers' growing interest in exploring India's architectural landmarks, historic communities and living traditions.

O - Open discovery

As Indian travellers become more open to discovering destinations through culture, they are embracing more immersive experiences beyond traditional sightseeing. Social media and YouTube (42%), along with the growing popularity of food, craft and heritage trails (41%), are the biggest drivers behind growing interest in culture-led travel.

Beyond domestic travel, 46% of Indian travellers have already travelled internationally for a cultural event, festival or heritage trail, while a further 43% aspire to do so, highlighting a growing curiosity to explore culture both within India and around the world. This openness extends closer to home too, with one in four Indian travellers (25%) heading to Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns for cultural experiences, beyond the usual metro circuit.

O - Once-in-a-year experiences

Festival tourism is emerging as a powerful travel driver, with 72% of Indian travellers saying they would consider planning a trip specifically to attend a major cultural or religious festival. India's iconic festivals are powerful travel motivators, with Durga Puja (58%) emerging as the top festival travellers would consider travelling to attend, followed by Ganesh Chaturthi (52%) and Navratri Garba (47%).

The findings suggest that travellers are increasingly treating major festivals as limited-time experiences worth planning an entire holiday around, rather than simply activities to enjoy after arriving at a destination.

T - Traditions & Taste

Food, crafts, and local traditions continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping culture-led travel. Regional food experiences rank among the top reasons for travel, with 43% of Indian travellers saying they would plan a trip around them. The growing popularity highlights an appetite for experiences that connect travellers with a destination's local traditions, flavours and way of life.

S - Smarter planning

As cultural experiences become a bigger travel priority, travellers are becoming more intentional in how they plan their journeys. Most Indian travellers begin planning their culture-led trips well in advance, with 40% starting three to six months ahead and 36% beginning one to three months before departure.

Festival timing has become the biggest booking consideration, with 36% of travellers saying availability during key festival or event dates matters most, followed by affordable prices for transport and accommodation (32%).

With many cultural experiences taking place at specific times of the year, Skyscanner's Price Alerts allow travellers to monitor fare changes without having to repeatedly search, while Whole Month search lets them compare prices across different travel dates to identify the best value around festivals, heritage trails and other cultural experiences.

Looking ahead, India's appetite for culture-led travel shows no signs of slowing. With 41% Indian travellers planning to take two culture-focused trips within India over the next year, 32% expect to take three to four. While enthusiasm remains high, safety concerns (49%) and high travel costs (37%) continue to be the biggest barriers to taking more culture-led journeys.

Neel Ghose, Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India, said, "For a long time, people chose a destination first and discovered its culture once they arrived. We're increasingly seeing that journey now happens in reverse. Travellers are starting with the experience they want, whether that's witnessing Durga Puja, exploring a heritage trail or discovering a region through its food, and then building the trip around it. That shift is changing not just where people travel, but how they plan.

When festival dates are fixed and demand is high, comparing different travel dates, airlines, airports and routes can help travellers find better value. For instance, try mixing and matching airlines or airports when you are searching for flights, and use helpful tools like Skyscanner's Price Alerts, to find better value when planning travel. "

Dr Navina Jafa, an expert in heritage tourism, sustainability, cultural strategy, and Kathak dance, said, "India's cultural heritage is not only about monuments, but also the ecosystems around heritage landscapes: creative skilled communities, cultural traditions, and living practices. Studies show a growing number of travellers seeking immersive heritage experiences, underlining India’s need to invest in its vast geographical diversity and multilayered cultural legacy. This fast-growing sector offers major opportunities for conservation, economic growth, and for strengthening heritage tourism nationally and globally."

As India's appetite for culture-led travel continues to grow, Skyscanner continues to help travellers uncover the R.O.O.T.S. of every journey, from rediscovering heritage and open discovery to once-in-a-year experiences, traditions, and taste, and smarter planning.

Top destinations to connect with your ROOTS**

Skyscanner has also curated a selection of cultural destinations across India, helping travellers turn inspiration into their next journey. Explore the guide here.

About Skyscanner 

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trips with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.

Note to Editors

*Skyscanner research conducted with OnePoll in July 2026 with 2,000 respondents in India.

**Live prices dated 27th July 2026, one-way trip from Delhi to destinations. Subject to change

(1) Almora does not have an airport - prices are for Dehradun (354 kms)

(2) Puri does not have an airport - prices are for Bhubaneswar (65 kms)

(3) Kohima does not have an airport - prices are for Imphal (120 kms)

Captain Rahul Bali & Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi
 

The conclave organised by Interview Times, brought together dignitaries like Honourable Member of Parliament Shri R.N. Behera, CEO of Startup Odisha Sh. S.R. Pradhan IAS, Consul General of India in Auckland Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Mahapatra, CEO of TPCODL Sh. Gajanan S. Kale and Chairman Kiri Industries Sh. Manish Kiri as well as distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, diplomats, academicians and business executives from across India to deliberate on Odisha’s growth trajectory and its vision for becoming a developed and globally competitive state.
 

Addressing the gathering, Captain Rahul Bali presented his keynote titled “Celebrating Odisha – Building a Global Destination Through Culture, Art & Tourism”, highlighting how Odisha’s extraordinary cultural heritage, spiritual traditions, artistic excellence, natural beauty and tourism assets can be strategically leveraged to drive economic growth, investment and international visibility.
 

Captain Bali commended the Government of Odisha under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi for its commitment towards accelerating economic development, infrastructure creation, tourism promotion and investment attraction.
 

He also lauded the efforts of Dr. Dibyajit Sahu in making the National CEO Conclave Odisha a distinguished platform for showcasing Odisha's potential to national and global audiences.
 

“The National CEO Conclave is a visionary initiative that brings together government, industry and thought leaders to collectively shape the future of Odisha. Such platforms play a vital role in showcasing the state’s immense potential and positioning Odisha as a destination for investment, innovation, tourism and cultural excellence,” said Captain Rahul Bali.
 

During his keynote address, Captain Bali emphasized that Odisha possesses all the ingredients required to emerge as one of Asia’s most compelling tourism destinations. He said, “Odisha is one of India’s greatest untold stories. The state already possesses world-class heritage, spirituality, culture, art, nature and authentic experiences. The opportunity lies in creating greater visibility, stronger storytelling and impactful global positioning.”
 

Drawing on his international experience in filmmaking and destination promotion, Captain Rahul Bali highlighted how cinema has become one of the world's most effective tools for tourism marketing. Citing global examples and his landmark Indo-Vietnam feature film Love in Vietnam, he explained how films, festivals and the creative economy—including media, arts and cultural experiences—can boost tourism, attract investment, generate employment and strengthen a destination's global brand. “Culture is no longer merely a heritage asset to be preserved. It is economic capital that can create jobs, generate tourism revenues, attract investment and build a strong global identity.”
 

Captain Rahul Bali further advocated the need to position Odisha as a preferred destination for domestic and international film productions by promoting filmmaker-friendly policies, streamlined permissions and stronger engagement with the global film industry.
 

He proposed a long-term vision that includes a Global Film Odisha Mission, an internationally recognized Odisha International Film Festival, enhanced destination branding initiatives under an Experience Odisha Campaign and a greater integration of culture, tourism and creative industries into the state’s economic development strategy.
 

His keynote received an enthusiastic response from visionary business leaders, policymakers and delegates who appreciated the practical roadmap presented by him for leveraging Odisha’s cultural and tourism strengths as engines of economic transformation around the core theme of "Viksit Odisha 2030" and nation-building.
 

Meeting with Chief Secretary of Odisha

Following his keynote address, Captain Rahul Bali held a meaningful interaction with the Chief Secretary of Odisha, Ms. Anu Garg, IAS, in the presence of the Honourable Consul General of India in Auckland, New Zealand, Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi.
 

During the interaction, Captain Rahul Bali shared his vision of positioning Odisha as a premier destination for domestic and international film productions, highlighting the role of cinema in promoting tourism and destination branding. He discussed showcasing Odisha's rich heritage, culture and natural beauty through films and expressed his interest in exploring the state as a location for one of his forthcoming film projects in collaboration with the film industry.
 

Ms. Anu Garg appreciated the potential of film-led destination promotion and welcomed the exchange of ideas on how the creative industries can contribute to tourism development, investment attraction and economic growth. The discussion reflected a shared interest in exploring opportunities that could further strengthen Odisha’s positioning as an attractive destination for filmmaking, tourism and cultural engagement.
 

The presence of Dr. Madan Mohan Sethi, Honourable Consul General of India in Auckland, added an international perspective to the discussions and underscored the growing importance of cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion and creative collaborations in strengthening India’s global outreach.
 

A Vision for Odisha’s Global Future

Concluding his address, Captain Rahul Bali expressed confidence that Odisha is uniquely positioned to emerge as one of India’s leading destinations for tourism, culture, film production and investment.
 

“Tourism is not built by monuments alone. It is built through stories, experiences, festivals, films and emotional connections. Odisha has all the ingredients necessary to become a globally admired destination. With visionary leadership, strategic collaboration and effective storytelling, the state can create a powerful model of sustainable and inclusive growth,” said Bali.
 

The keynote and subsequent discussions reinforced the growing recognition of culture, tourism and creative industries as important pillars of economic development and highlighted the significant opportunities that lie ahead for Odisha in the years to come.
 

About Captain Rahul Bali

Captain Rahul Bali is an Indian Army Veteran, Film Producer, Entrepreneur, Festival Curator and Cultural Diplomat. He is the Producer of Love in Vietnam and the upcoming international feature film SILAA, and has played a significant role in strengthening cultural, tourism and economic ties between India and several countries through cinema, festivals and international collaborations.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), in partnership with the Shangri-La Group, hosted eight senior MICE professionals from India on The Dragon Pulse, a five-day familiarisation trip held from 26-30 June 2026. The programme was designed to demonstrate Hong Kong as a MICE destination for the Indian market, bringing together the city's world class meetings and events infrastructure, venue diversity, and cultural experiences within a single corporate itinerary.

HKTB hosts eight Indian MICE professionals on a five-day familiarisation trip, showcasing the city's event infrastructure and cultural depth for corporate travel programmes

The visit coincided with the 2026 Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, one of Asia's most significant annual sporting and cultural events. Participants were given VIP access to the races and harbourfront festivities, offering a direct example of how a major public event of international standing can be integrated into a corporate travel programme to deliver experiences that extend beyond conventional conference settings. This approach reflects a broader HKTB strategy of inviting business event visitors to participate in the city's landmark public events strengthening Hong Kong's overall appeal as a business events destination.

Site inspections across the five days covered a cross-section of Hong Kong's most significant MICE properties. The Kowloon Shangri-La in Tsim Sha Tsui, a luxury waterfront hotel with comprehensive event facilities and direct harbour views, and the Kerry Hotel in Hung Hom Bay, a contemporary urban resort with flexible event spaces and acclaimed dining, were assessed against the practical requirements of Indian corporate groups.

The itinerary also included a venue introduction and site inspection at the West Kowloon Cultural District, with a focus on M+, the museum of contemporary visual culture that anchors the precinct. In addition to its standing as a leading cultural institution, M+ offers world-class event spaces with harbour views, advanced facilities, and professional event services, positioning it as a venue of distinction for conferences, exhibitions, and large-scale corporate gatherings. West Kowloon Cultural District more broadly represents Hong Kong's flagship arts quarter and one of the world's largest cultural centres, increasingly recognised as a premier destination for business events that seek an environment of creative and cultural distinction.

Beyond its venue infrastructure, the programme demonstrated the range of experiences available to corporate groups in Hong Kong. Participants took a speedboat tour through the UNESCO Global Geopark in Sai Kung, where they viewed dramatic volcanic rock formations, sea arches, and a rugged coastline. Just 30 minutes from the city centre, the excursion highlighted how Hong Kong's compact footprint combines a vibrant urban environment with landscapes of international natural heritage significance.

Cultural engagement was a consistent thread throughout the itinerary. A hands-on dim sum making workshop at Maxim's Palace introduced participants to one of Hong Kong's most deeply rooted culinary traditions in a classic teahouse setting, while a cocktail workshop at Tell Camellia provided direct exposure to the city's internationally recognised mixology culture. Dinner at Rajasthan Rifles, the Anglo-Indian brasserie at The Peak, further illustrated the breadth of Hong Kong's dining landscape and its capacity to offer Indian visitors points of cultural familiarity alongside distinctly local experiences.

The programme also encompassed the Peak Tram experience and Sky Terrace 428, the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong at 428 metres above sea level; an evening at the Sha Tin Racecourse with dinner at The Box Seat; an exclusive visit to Ocean Park Hong Kong including an encounter with the Giant Panda Twins; the “Pixar Pals Spectacular” and “Momentous” nighttime shows at Hong Kong Disneyland; an evening at Lan Kwai Fong; and a harbour cruise aboard the Oriental Pearl. Taken together, these experiences map a destination that holds equal relevance for the seasoned Hong Kong visitor and the first-time traveller, one where iconic landmarks, natural heritage, world-class dining and after-dark culture coexist within a compact, highly navigable city.

"India continues to be one of Hong Kong's most strategically important MICE markets, and The Dragon Pulse was designed to reflect the full scope of what the city can offer Indian corporate groups today," said Puneet Kumar, Director – South Asia, Hong Kong Tourism Board. "From VIP access to the 50th Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races to site inspections at some of the city's most exceptional venues, the programme demonstrated that Hong Kong's MICE proposition goes well beyond infrastructure. It is a destination where world-class event facilities, natural heritage, cultural traditions, and dining experiences of genuine distinction exist within a highly connected city. What The Dragon Pulse affirmed is that for Indian companies looking to deliver incentive and conference programmes that leave a lasting impression, Hong Kong remains one of the strongest choices in Asia."

Hong Kong offers a spectrum of venues suited to events of every scale. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), a globally recognised facility, has recently received Gold Certification for MICE Venues from CrescentRating, an internationally recognised halal travel accreditation body, an acknowledgement of the standards it has established for Muslim exhibitors and delegates, and a consideration of growing relevance for Indian corporate groups. 

At the larger end of the scale, AsiaWorld-Expo is currently undergoing a Phase II expansion that will add more than 20,000 square metres of column-free space, directly responding to rising demand for large-scale, flexible exhibition and arena-style events and reinforcing Hong Kong's competitiveness for the world's biggest gatherings. Kai Tak Sports Park, the largest sports infrastructure project in Hong Kong's history, opened in March 2025. Its Main Stadium seats 50,000 and is designed to accommodate international sporting competitions, concerts, music festivals, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings within a fully integrated harbourfront precinct that also encompasses retail, dining, and open community spaces. Additionally, more than 20 new hotels have opened in Hong Kong over the past five years, expanding the city's capacity for small and medium-sized meetings and conventions and offering organisers a wider range of accommodation and meeting configurations.

For the Indian MICE industry, the visit reinforced why Hong Kong continues to hold relevance as a destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions. With visa-free entry under the Pre-arrival Registration (PAR) arrangement for eligible Indian passport holders, direct flight connectivity, and an established ecosystem of hotels, venues, and experiences, it offers organisers the flexibility to build programmes that balance business objectives with memorable experiences. Rather than relying on any single attraction, Hong Kong's appeal lies in how these elements come together to create a well-rounded corporate itinerary.

The Dragon Pulse – Hong Kong MICE Familiarisation Trip was organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board in partnership with the Shangri-La Group, from 26–30 June 2026.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors' experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities. The HKTB's missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

Alla Balram Babu, Nguyen Trung Hieu, Captain Rahul Bali, Islam Choudhary and Jean Luc Benhaim

Organized by the Federation of Rajasthan Event Managers (FOREM), the conclave brought together eminent leaders from the global wedding, tourism, hospitality, aviation, destination management and events industries to deliberate on emerging opportunities and challenges shaping the future of international wedding tourism.

The event was graced by Hon'ble Ms. Diya Kumari, Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister, Government of Rajasthan, as the Chief Guest, while Hon'ble Shri Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism, Culture & Cinematography, Government of Andhra Pradesh, attended as the Guest of Honour, reaffirming the growing importance of wedding tourism as a catalyst for economic development and destination branding.

Captain Rahul Bali shared the distinguished panel with prominent global industry leaders including the Country Head of Vietnam Airlines India - Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu, French Luxury Hotelier - Mr. Jean Luc Benhaim, Director of Taj Hotels - Mr. Islam Choudhary and Director of FTCCI - Mr. Alla Balram Babu, making it one of the conclave's most anticipated and engaging sessions.

Wedding Tourism: A Powerful Instrument of Cultural Diplomacy
In his keynote address, Captain Rahul Bali emphasized that destination weddings have evolved far beyond grand celebrations and today represent a dynamic intersection of tourism, culture, diplomacy and economic growth.

He highlighted how weddings are increasingly becoming platforms that promote international travel, preserve cultural heritage, generate employment and strengthen people-to-people relationships across nations.

During his address, Captain Bali said, "A wedding today is no longer merely the union of two individuals—it is the coming together of cultures, traditions and communities. Every destination wedding tells a story, creates lifelong memories and builds bridges between nations. When thoughtfully planned, weddings become powerful ambassadors of tourism, cultural exchange and sustainable economic growth." 

Drawing upon his extensive experience in international filmmaking, tourism promotion and cultural diplomacy, Captain Bali explained how destination weddings create significant economic opportunities for airlines, hotels, local artisans, transport providers, wedding planners, entertainers, photographers and thousands of small businesses that collectively contribute to the tourism ecosystem.

Cinema: Inspiring Travel, Weddings and Destination Branding
As the Producer of the internationally acclaimed Indo-Vietnamese feature film "Love in Vietnam" and the upcoming international feature film "SILAA", Captain Rahul Bali spoke about the transformative role of cinema in influencing global travel and destination preferences.

He observed that films often introduce audiences to spectacular locations, which subsequently emerge as preferred destinations for weddings, honeymoons and experiential tourism. He further added, "Cinema inspires dreams, tourism transforms those dreams into journeys, and destination weddings turn those journeys into lifelong memories. Together they create an enduring economic and cultural impact that benefits communities long after the celebrations are over."

Luxury with Responsibility
Addressing the future of the global wedding industry, Captain Rahul Bali urged stakeholders to embrace a balanced approach that combines luxury with sustainability and cultural authenticity. He advocated greater collaboration among governments, tourism boards, airlines, hospitality companies and wedding planners to promote sustainable and environmentally responsible celebrations while preserving local traditions and cultural heritage. He remarked that the destinations of the future will be those capable of offering meaningful experiences while preserving their cultural identity and protecting the environment.

Rajasthan Sets a Global Benchmark
Captain Rahul Bali applauded Rajasthan for successfully establishing itself as one of the world's most admired wedding destinations. He noted that the state's magnificent palaces, royal heritage, world-class hospitality, vibrant culture and tourism infrastructure have made it a preferred choice for luxury weddings and celebrations attracting guests from across the globe.

The participation of senior government leaders, international tourism experts, hospitality professionals and destination marketers reflected the increasing recognition of wedding tourism as a strategic pillar of economic growth, destination branding and international cultural engagement.

Strengthening India–Vietnam Tourism Partnerships
Speaking during the conclave, Mr. Nguyen Trung Hieu, Country Head of Vietnam Airlines in India, emphasized the growing opportunities for deeper collaboration between the aviation and wedding tourism sectors. He said, "India and Vietnam are the fastest-growing tourism markets in South Asia, and we see tremendous potential for destination weddings and premium leisure travel between our two countries. By working closely with tourism boards, filmmakers, event professionals and cultural ambassadors like Captain Rahul Bali, we can create unforgettable travel experiences that strengthen bilateral tourism and deepen the friendship between India and Vietnam."

 A Shared Vision for the Future
The session concluded with a strong consensus that the future of global wedding tourism lies in creating experiences that are culturally authentic, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive.

Captain Rahul Bali's keynote received widespread appreciation from government representatives, tourism professionals, hospitality leaders, wedding planners and international delegates for presenting a compelling vision of weddings as transformative platforms for tourism promotion, cultural diplomacy and sustainable development.

About Captain Rahul Bali
Captain Rahul Bali is an Indian Army Veteran, internationally acclaimed Film Producer, Festival Curator, Entrepreneur and Cultural Diplomat. He is the Producer of the landmark Indo-Vietnamese feature film "Love in Vietnam" and the upcoming international feature film "SILAA", besides serving as the Curator of the globally recognised Namaste Vietnam Festival.

Through cinema, international festivals, tourism initiatives and strategic cultural partnerships, Captain Rahul Bali has played a pioneering role in strengthening cultural, tourism and economic relations between India and several countries, positioning creative industries as powerful instruments of international cooperation and people-to-people diplomacy.

Switrus Holidays now offers tour packages to destinations, such as China, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia
 

According to the company, Switrus has organized more than 1,200 Europe group tours and served over 45,000 travelers over the past thirteen years. The company has built a strong customer base across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, and Delhi.
 

The launch comes at a time when interest among Indian travelers in Asian destinations is growing significantly. In its initial phase, Switrus Asia will focus on destinations including Japan, China, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Bali, and Thailand.
 

The company plans to extend its Europe group tour model to Asian destinations, offering comprehensive group tour packages, professional tour management, structured itineraries, and services designed specifically for Indian travelers.
 

Switrus currently operates Europe group tours for travelers from several Indian states and has expanded its operational network across major Indian cities and international markets, including Germany. 
 

“We aim to extend the trust, expertise, and operational experience we have built in European tourism to the Asian travel segment. Through Switrus Asia, our goal is to deliver high-quality international travel experiences to a wider range of Indian travelers," said Shabitha Abubacker, COO of Switrus Holidays.
 

The company has announced that the details regarding Switrus Asia's initial group departures, annual travel calendar, and special launch offers will be revealed in the coming weeks.

For more information, please visit switrus.com.

This summer, Hong Kong is turning up the energy with a citywide celebration packed with festivals, family attractions, sporting spectacles and limited-time offers. The “Hong Kong Summer Fun” campaign brings together some of the city's biggest seasonal events alongside exclusive “Summer Deals,” creating even more reasons to plan a summer escape to the Events Capital of Asia. From dragon boat racing and family fun to immersive exhibitions and world-class football, there’s something for everyone.

Enjoy Hundreds of Thousands of Summer Deals and an Exciting Citywide Events Experience

To make a summer getaway even more rewarding, the “Summer Deals” programme is now rolling out in phases through 31 August, unlocking rewards and savings at every step of the visitor journey — across attraction offers, transport discounts, shopping rewards and dining perks. The initiative helps travellers make the most of their Hong Kong getaway with exclusive seasonal savings from planning to departure.

Unlock Hundreds of Thousands of Deals Across the City All Summer Long

Earn Double Rewards Even Before You Arrive in Hong Kong
In partnership with Trip.com Group, HKTB is launching more than HK USD 20 million worth of offers across 19 attractions and three transport operators. From now on until 31 August, eligible visitors who book a participating Hong Kong hotel stay through Trip.com  for the period from 1 July–14 September, with a single transaction of HK USD 1,500 or above, can unlock a “Summer Getaway Pack” featuring one attraction and one transport discount of up to 50 percent off. Rewards drop in two summer waves on 15 June and 14 July on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing travellers to experience more of Hong Kong for less.

Some highlighted participating experiences in the first wave include:

• Up to 50% off on Roundtrip Standard Cable Car Ticket by Ngong Ping 360

• Up to 50% off on Essential Ticket by Big Bus Tours

• 30% off on Sha Tin Racecourse & Happy Valley Racecourse F&B Experience + Guided Tour by The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Collect Multiple Rewards Throughout Your Stay in Town 
From 1 July–31 August, visitors can access “Summer Instant Rewards” through a collaboration with AlipayHK, Alipay and Alipay+. By leveraging Alipay+’s international partner e-wallet user base, visitors can scan designated QR codes at nearly 100 participating shopping malls across the city, including Central Market, Festival Walk, Hysan Place, ifc mall, Hong Kong International Airport, K11, Mira Place, New Town Plaza, Olympian City, Peak Galleria, SOGO, Stanley Plaza, Times Square, Windsor House, and more—to receive a random spending rewards of up to HK USD 500 or RMB500 to be used at any merchant displaying the AlipayHK, Alipay or Alipay+ payment acceptance mark. 

In addition, more than 150 exciting merchant offers will be available across participating malls. Highlights include: 

• AIRSIDE – Admission Ticket to the “The Cha Chaan Teng Codex — Tales of Invisible Designs” exhibition;

• Central Market – Redeem a premium butterfly pastry gift box for HK USD 58 upon spending HK USD 200 or above at Imperial Patisserie; 

• Festival Walk – Enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free ice rink offer at Glacier and complimentary 2D movie tickets at Festival Grand Cinema; 

• MegaBox – Enjoy an extra 30% off at the i.t Outlet; 

• Mira Place – Enjoy HK USD 100 off upon spending HK USD 400 at Mira Dining;

• Nina Mall – Enjoy bonus gaming tokens, with HK USD 200 purchase receiving an additional HK USD 140 at Jumping Gym; 

• The Peak – Enjoy 15% off all regular-priced menu items at Bubba Gump; 

• T Town / Kai Tin Shopping Centre / Temple Mall / Lok Fu Plaza – Enjoy HK USD 100 off upon spending HK USD 500 at SKECHERS

All of which are open to both local residents and visitors. What’s more, visitors can also enjoy a citywide collection of shopping and dining offers delivered in partnership with the Quality Tourism Services Association (QTSA) and the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA), with buy-one-get-one free offers and some hot picks from HK USD 1 or HK USD 10 at various merchants. Rewards are on a first-come, first-served basis. Some of the rewards are limited to registered users on Discover Hong Kong one-stop travel information platform only. Stay tuned for more details.

Highlighted rewards include:

• Buy 1 Get 1 Free Black Pearl Tasting Menu at Chinesology (original price HK USD 3,054)

• Buy 1 Get 1 Chef’s signature Tasting Set at restaurants under Lubuds group, including Sushi Zushi & Toriten (original price HK USD 588 for one)

• HK USD 1 for a selected flavor of Abalone Bites (12 pcs) at On Kee (original price HK USD 99)

• HK USD 1 for a Winter Melon Pastry (Wife Cake) at Kee Wah Bakery (original price HK USD 12)

• HK USD 10 for BBQ Pork with Egg and Rice at Men Wah Bing Teng (original price HK USD 72)

• HK USD 10 for Big Mac® at McDonald’s (original price from HK USD 25.5)

Dive into a Packed Programme of Events Throughout the City
Alongside the unmissable “Summer Deals,” visitors can look forward to a packed programme of exciting events, dragon boat thrills and summer festivities, experiencing the vibrant charisma of the Events Capital of Asia.

Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival: Experience a Uniquely Hong Kong Celebration of Dragon Boat Heritage, Festive Treats and Fun
19 June–1 July 2026 | Tsim Sha Tsui promenade
 

Kicking off the season is the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival”, running from 19 June–1 July. At its heart is the 50th-anniversary edition of the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races”, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA) and proudly title-sponsored by Sun Life. It will transform the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront into one of the city's most thrilling annual spectacles on 27–28 June. More than 220 teams from 16 countries and regions will compete across 21 races in Victoria Harbour.
 

For the first time, the celebration expands into a 13-day festival extending far beyond the races. Along the Avenue of Stars, visitors can explore a Dragon Boat Food Lane, and discover themed photo spots, including Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone, a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat, a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters, etc. A programme of intangible cultural heritage workshops will also offer hands-on experiences such as fishing net plaiting, blown sugar making and traditional lye rice dumpling making. Tourists can partake in a uniquely Hong Kong celebration that blends sport, culture and a lively waterfront atmosphere.
 

Pixar Summer Fest: Step Into the Bigger World of Pixar from Day to Night
12 June–31 August 2026 | Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
 

Hong Kong Disneyland Resort invites guests into its first-ever “Pixar Summer Fest,” transforming the resort into a colourful world filled with beloved Pixar characters and immersive experiences. The centrepiece is the all-new “Pixar Pals Spectacular”, an eight-minute nighttime experience combining glowing drones, shimmering fountains, projections across the Castle of Magical Dreams and Main Street, U.S.A., and giant inflatables. It’s a vibrant celebration of Pixar’s most-loved stories of friendship. The new show debuts before the resort's signature “Momentous” nighttime spectacular.
 

Guests can also cool off at the returning “Pixar Water Play Street Party!”, dance and cheer at the park's largest-ever “Friendtastic!” parade, meet characters from Toy Story, Inside Out, Turning Red, Coco and more, enjoy Pixar-themed food and merchandise, and extend the experience with themed hotel stays and activities across the resort.

Pandastic Summer Birthday Celebration – Let the Fun Begin!: Join the Festivities with Hong Kong's Favourite Giant Pandas
26 June–31 August 2026 | Ocean Park Hong Kong

This summer, Ocean Park’s beloved giant panda twins, Elder Sister Jia Jia and Little Brother De De, are turning two! Together with their August-born parents Ying Ying and Le Le, as well as the popular June stars, An An and Ke Ke, they are ready to throw a pandastic birthday party. Snap with the giant installation at the main entrance and visit our Pandastic happy moment zone in the park, all six adorable giant pandas will transform into lively Panda Friends characters, showing off their vibrant, playful sides! Come with family and friends to shower the giant pandas at Ocean Park with tons of birthday love and pan-tastic blessings!

Design Ah!: Discover the Wonder of Everyday Design at M+
27 June 2026–10 Jan 2027

Curious minds of all ages can experience design in an entirely new way at “Design Ah! Experience the Wonder of Everyday Design,” opening at M+ from 27 June. This family-friendly exhibition explores the hidden design behind everyday actions — from walking to eating and sitting — revealing how thoughtful design quietly shapes the world around us. Through hands-on games, interactive installations and immersive audiovisual environments, visitors are invited to observe familiar objects and behaviours from new perspectives, sparking curiosity, creativity and plenty of unexpected “Ah!” moments.

Bubble Planet Hong Kong: Explore an Extraordinary Multi-Sensory World of Bubbles 
From 29 June 2026 | Kai Tak Cruise Terminal

Launching from 29 June, Bubble Planet will make its Hong Kong debut at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal. The globally acclaimed immersive experience transforms the simple concept of bubbles into a large-scale interactive adventure featuring digital art, optical illusions, virtual reality experiences and multi-sensory installations. Visitors can move through a series of playful environments designed to inspire wonder and imagination, making it one of the city's newest family-friendly attractions this summer.

Hong Kong Football Festival 2026: See Football Giants Take the Field
31 July–5 August 2026 | Kai Tak Stadium

Sports fans have another major reason to visit Hong Kong this summer with the return of the Hong Kong Football Festival from 31 July–5 August. The series will bring four of Europe's most decorated clubs to Kai Tak Stadium: Manchester City, FC Internazionale Milano, Chelsea FC and Juventus. Two blockbuster fixtures will take place at the state-of-the-art 50,000-seat venue, while Manchester City and Chelsea will also hold Open Training sessions for fans. Building on the success of last year's festival, the event features a rare gathering of Champions League-winning clubs, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as one of Asia's premier destinations for international sport and live entertainment.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors’ experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities. The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

To welcome the peak summer travel season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will launch a brand-new promotion, “Hong Kong Summer Fun”, from June 19, 2026 connecting a series of citywide highlight events and enticing offers to energise the summer season. The HKTB will work with the business community to roll out a wide range of offers covering attractions, dining, transportation and shopping, enhancing Hong Kong’s appeal as a summer destination, attracting more overnight visitors and boosting overall spending.
 

From dragon boats to dining deals, Hong Kong invites the world to its most vibrant summer ever

Kicking off the summer season will be the 50th-anniversary edition of the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races,” organised by the HKTB, co-organised by the Hong Kong China Dragon Boat Association (HKCDBA), and proudly title-sponsored by Sun Life. The event will be fully upgraded into the “Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival” and will debut at the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade this month.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “The summer holidays are a golden period for travel, and with a wave of mega events this summer, the HKTB is proud to present the new summer promotion ‘Hong Kong Summer Fun’, leveraging different events to strengthen promotion and partnering with the business community to roll out hundreds of thousands of offers covering attraction, dining, transport and shopping. We aim to attract more overnight visitors to Hong Kong and boost consumption across more sectors. As the headline international flagship event of ‘Hong Kong Summer Fun’, the ‘Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival’ not only runs over a longer period, but also features a stronger race line-up and more vibrant entertainment programme than in previous years, offering an experience found only in Hong Kong for locals and visitors, while showcasing Hong Kong’s position as the Events Capital of Asia.”

Kicking Off the Summer Season: Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival Debuts in an Upgraded Format

Over 220 Dragon Boat Teams from Around the World Compete in Victoria Harbour

This year’s races will be held on 27 to 28 June, with the number of participating teams, countries and regions higher than last year. Teams from 16 countries and regions will take part, including the Chinese Mainland, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Qatar and Indonesia. Over 220 teams and more than 4,500 athletes will compete in 21 races.

Special “50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup” Preserves the Traditional Spirit of Dragon Boat Racing

First held in 1976 by the then Hong Kong Tourist Association (the predecessor of the HKTB), the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races began as competitions among fishermen’s dragon boats in the Shau Kei Wan Typhoon Shelter. They have since developed into a unique international mega event in Hong Kong, bringing together top teams from around the world in Victoria Harbour and integrating sport, culture and entertainment.
 

This year, the “50th Anniversary Fishermen Invitational Cup” has been introduced, inviting six local fishermen teams from areas such as Aberdeen and Chai Wan to compete using traditional wooden dragon boats. In addition, a new “50th Anniversary Championship” has been added, bringing together champions from nine major race categories to compete for the title of “Ultimate Dragon Boat Champion”.

Extended to 13 Days with Double the Dragon Boat Festival Excitement

For the first time, the Dragon Boat Festival held at the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade will be extended to 13 days (19 June to 1 July), spanning from 19 June (Dragon Boat Festival) to 1 July to encourage visitors to stay longer and enjoy a cultural experience that blends tradition and modernity.

The Avenue of Stars will feature a Dragon Boat Food Lane, complemented by four themed photo spots: Sun Life HK Dragon Boat Co-Creation Zone, a 22-metre traditional wooden dragon boat; a dragon boat-themed installation in collaboration with the new film Minions & Monsters; and a Giant Coca-Cola® Bottle and Dragon Boat-themed Photo Spot. Together, these elements offer a new festive experience for locals and visitors.

The festival will also debut a series of intangible cultural heritage workshops, where visitors can experience activities such as fishing net plaiting, blown sugar making and lye rice dumpling making. Visitors can experience dragon boat racing through virtual reality (VR), using innovative technology to explore this traditional festival. On weekends and public holidays, there will be a vibrant lineup of intangible cultural heritage performances, including Wing Chun, diabolo, ruan and guzheng. As evening falls, the atmosphere will come alive with a series of live music performances. In addition, a dedicated live broadcast viewing zone will allow both the public and visitors to watch the thrilling action of the Victoria Harbour races up close.
 

The Sun Life Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Festival has received support from 14 sponsors. The HKTB has also partnered with the Tsim Sha Tsui East Property Developers Association, collaborating with over 30 shops to roll out hotel, dining and shopping offers during the festival period to boost spending in the area.
 

“Hong Kong Summer Fun” Offers Hundreds of Thousands of Deals to Attract Overnight Visitors and Boost Spending
 

Exclusive Travel Packages Featuring Attraction Tickets and Transport Discounts

During the “Hong Kong Summer Fun” promotion period, the HKTB will collaborate with Trip.com Group, the Quality Tourism Services Association (QTSA), the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA), Alipay, and various merchants to launch “Summer Deals,” offering hundreds of thousands of offers.

The offers start the moment visitors begin planning their trip to Hong Kong. The HKTB will partner with Trip.com Group to launch promotions worth over HK USD 20 million, covering 19 local attractions and three transport operators. From 15 June to 31 August, visitors who book hotels in Hong Kong via Trip.com or Ctrip for the period from 1 July to 14 September, with a single transaction of HK USD 1,500 or above, will enjoy double rewards: one attraction ticket offer and one public transport offer of choice, with discounts of up to 50 per cent. The promotions cover a wide range of popular travel products, including the Peak Tram, theme parks, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Noah’s Ark tickets, round-trip Airport Express tickets, and bus day passes. After booking, visitors can redeem the offers directly through the platform, with redemption valid for two weeks from the hotel reservation date. Each Trip.com and Ctrip account can redeem the offer once, on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

Multiple In-Town Spending Rewards and Half-Price Deals

From 1 July to 31 August, the HKTB will collaborate with AlipayHK, Alipay, and Alipay+ to leverage Alipay’s vast international partner e-wallet user base. Visitors simply need to scan designated QR codes at nearly 100 participating shopping malls across Hong Kong—including Central Market, Hysan Place, ifc mall, Hong Kong International Airport, K11, Mira Place, New Town Plaza, Olympian City, Peak Galleria, SOGO, Stanley Plaza, Times Square, Windsor House, and more—to join the activity and receive a random spending reward of up to HK USD 500 or RMB 500, which can be used at any merchant displaying the AlipayHK, Alipay or Alipay+ payment acceptance mark.
 

At the same time, the HKTB will partner with the QTSA and the HKRMA to roll out a citywide series of offers. Arriving visitors can enjoy shopping and dining discounts of up to 50 per cent at various merchants. Details will be announced later.
 

“Hong Kong Summer Fun” covers cultural, entertainment, sports, and music programmes, including Hong Kong ICH Month, the Chinese Culture Festival, the Hong Kong Football Festival, the Football Summit, the Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong, the Fencing World Championships 2026 Hong Kong, the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships, and Hong Kong Reunification Raceday. To help visitors plan their itineraries, the HKTB has consolidated Hong Kong’s summer mega events and promotional offers on its Discover Hong Kong website under the “Hong Kong Summer Fun” information platform (www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/events/summer-fun.html), allowing locals and visitors to access event and offer details in one place and easily enjoy a vibrant summer experience in Hong Kong.

The APMEA Direct Booking Friction Report 2026

The report maps, for the first time, exactly where and why hotels across APMEA are losing direct bookings before a guest ever reaches checkout, uncovering friction across visibility, pricing, booking experience, and guest trust. The findings also reveal sharp regional differences in digital maturity, pricing discipline, and booking experience readiness across APMEA markets.

What the Audit Found

• Before the journey begins: Visibility: 42% of hotels don't appear on Page 1 for unbranded search queries. Nearly half the market is invisible to high-intent travelers before consideration even starts.

• At the comparison stage: Reputation and rates: 63% of properties list higher rates on their own website than on OTAs, actively losing guests to third-party platforms on price.

• At the booking stage: Speed and experience: 72% of hotel websites fail the 3-second load benchmark. Average mobile load times reach 4.1 seconds. When a guest does persist, they face an average of 4 clicks to confirm a reservation against a global benchmark of 3. Every additional second and every additional click is a door left open for abandonment.

• At the commitment stage: Trust and transparency: 44% of hotels withhold taxes and fees until the final payment screen, the single largest checkout abandonment trigger in the study. And 1 in 3 properties expose guests to a URL or domain disconnect between their website and booking engine, introducing security anxiety at the precise moment trust is most fragile. 

“The findings of this report highlight a growing gap between where guests are actually being lost. The direct booking journey has become too fragmented across search, pricing, booking engine, and guest experience, while travelers increasingly expect a seamless experience across every touchpoint. What makes this moment urgent is that AI search is changing the rules of visibility faster than most hotels realize. Brands moving to unified platforms to fix these systematic gaps are already seeing up to 5X growth in direct revenue within 90 days, while hotels operating disconnected systems risk becoming invisible before the booking journey even begins,” said Ashish Sikka, Business Head - UNO Platforms, RateGain. 

The report also found significant regional variation across APMEA markets. Singapore and Thailand set the regional benchmark with average load times of 2.9 seconds and the strongest direct price parity discipline. The Maldives recorded the highest friction scores across speed, OTA bundle dominance, and pricing opacity.

The Direct Booking Friction Report 2026 is available for free download at www.uno.rategain.com/direct-booking-friction-report-apmea-2026. Benchmark your property against other hotels and identify which friction points are costing you the most.

Report Methodology
The Direct Booking Friction Report 2026 evaluated booking journeys across 65 hotel properties in India, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and the Maldives, analyzing visibility, pricing parity, website performance, booking flow efficiency, and checkout transparency benchmarks across the direct booking journey.

About RateGain
RateGain Travel Technologies Limited is a global provider of AI-powered SaaS solutions for travel and hospitality, working with 13,000+ customers and 700+ partners across 160+ countries. RateGain helps travel and hospitality businesses accelerate revenue generation through acquisition, retention, and wallet share expansion.

Today, RateGain is one of the world’s largest processors of electronic transactions, price points, and travel intent data, enabling revenue management, distribution, and marketing teams across hotels, airlines, destination marketing organizations, online travel agents, metasearch companies, package providers, car rentals, travel management companies, cruises, and ferries to drive better business outcomes.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in India, RateGain works with 33 of the Top 40 Hotel Chains, 4 of the Top 5 Airlines, 7 of the Top 10 Car Rental companies, and all leading DMOs, OTAs, and metasearch platforms, including 25 Global Fortune 500 companies, unlocking new revenue every day.

Lords Inn Katra, Jammu 

Located in the heart of Katra, the hotel is designed to provide guests with a comfortable and enriching stay experience while reflecting the spiritual essence of the destination. The property features 45 well-appointed rooms, modern amenities, and thoughtfully curated hospitality services catering to both devotional and family travellers.

Commenting on the launch, Pushpendra Bansal, COO, said, “Katra, one of India’s most prominent spiritual destinations, attracts millions of devotees and travellers every year. With Lords Inn Katra, we are pleased to strengthen our presence in the region and offer guests a comfortable stay experience backed by Lords’ signature hospitality and service standards. We thank our partners for their trust and look forward to welcoming travellers to the heart of Katra.”

Speaking on the development, Vikas Suri, Vice President – Lords Hotels & Resorts, said, “Spiritual tourism in India continues to witness strong and sustained growth, and Katra remains a key destination within this segment. Lords Inn Katra reflects our strategic focus on expanding across high-potential pilgrimage and leisure markets while delivering warm hospitality and enriching guest experiences.”

Kumar Roushan, Senior GM – Development & Pre-opening, added, “The launch of Lords Inn Katra marks another important milestone in strengthening our footprint in Jammu & Kashmir. We see significant growth potential in the region and remain committed to expanding our presence while creating quality hospitality experiences for travellers visiting these destinations.”

The hotel will feature dining options and guest facilities designed to offer comfort, convenience, and relaxation during the stay. The development is expected to address the growing demand for quality hospitality infrastructure in the region.

Katra continues to attract millions of devotees and tourists each year due to its religious significance and strong tourism connectivity, making it an important addition to the Lords Hotels & Resorts portfolio.

About Lords Hotels & Resorts
Lords Hotels & Resorts is one of India’s leading mid-market hospitality chains, known for delivering exceptional guest experiences across leisure, business, and pilgrimage destinations in India and Nepal. With a growing portfolio of hotels, the brand continues to expand with a commitment to quality, affordability, and warm hospitality.

*Note: Largest in terms of gross booking revenue and operating revenue, for Fiscal Year 2023. (Source: CRISIL Report)

FY26 Consolidated Financial Performance:

Q4-FY26 Consolidated Financial Performance:

*Adj. EBITDA and EBITDA includes other income of INR 17 Mn for Q4’26 and INR 52 Mn for FY26

**EBITDA as a percentage of RLSC (Gross Margin)

*** It refers to the one-time effect of change in Labour code -

FY 2026 Business Highlights

Yatra reported its most profitable year in its history despite some very significant macro headwinds that impacted 3 out of the 12 months of the year.

• Gross Margin (RLSC) for the year grew 24.5% YoY to INR 4,824 Mn, ahead of the revised guidance of 22.5%

• Adjusted EBITDA of INR 917 Mn, a YoY growth of 37.5% came in line with revised guidance while EBITDA improved to INR 855 Mn, a YoY growth of 53.2%.

• PAT improved to INR 468 Mn, a YoY growth of 28.1%. The PAT growth for the year was adversely impacted by the introduction of the new wage code in Q3, excluding the effect of which the PAT for the year would have been INR 506 Mn, a YoY growth of 38.5%.

Q4-FY26 Business Highlights

Despite disruption from the war-related environment, Yatra reported resilient operating performance:

• Gross bookings grew 8.3% YoY

• Gross margin grew 3.6% YoY

• Total transactions increased 15.2% YoY

• Air passengers grew 9.6% YoY, roughly 2x industry growth, reflecting further market share expansion.

• The Corporate business maintained strong momentum, adding 55 new corporate customers during the quarter, representing an annual billable potential of INR 2,709 Mn. This compares favourably with 40 closures worth INR 2,234 million in Q3

However, the war-related disruption significantly affected the company’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions) business, particularly international corporate group travel. Several Q4 bookings were either cancelled or deferred into FY27.

Management Comments

Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Siddhartha Gupta stated, “Yatra delivered a strong FY26, with execution remaining strong despite a volatile macro and geopolitical backdrop. Performance was broadly in line with revised guidance, supported by 24.5% RLSC growth and 37.5% Adjusted EBITDA growth, reflecting operating leverage and disciplined cost control.

Across businesses, Yatra strengthened its competitive position. The Air segment delivered healthy TTV growth while maintaining margin discipline, with passenger growth outpacing industry levels throughout the quarter and the full year. The Hotels & Packages business also gained momentum, led by strong growth in standalone hotels and margin expansion driven by a better mix and improved monetization.

The Corporate (B2E) business remained a key growth driver. During FY26, Yatra added 163 new corporate customers with an annual billable value of about INR 9,568 Mn, up from 148 customers and INR 7,475 Mn in FY25, underscoring continued traction in the enterprise travel market.

Q4 was affected by geopolitical disruptions and war-related uncertainty, which weighed on international travel demand, particularly in MICE. Some corporate bookings were deferred or cancelled, though management expects a meaningful portion of this demand to return as conditions normalize.

Despite these temporary headwinds, Yatra continued to post healthy growth in gross bookings and transactions, supported by market share gains, improving take rates, and a strong corporate pipeline.

While macro challenges are likely to persist in the first half of the year, Management remains optimistic about FY27. Backed by structural growth in India’s travel and corporate mobility markets and Yatra’s continued investment in AI technology, customer acquisition, hotel supply, and its B2E platform. Management remains confident of its medium-term growth CAGR of 20% RLSC growth and 30% Adj EBITDA growth.”

Financial Statements

Results for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, prepared under Ind AS, along with segment results, are available in the Investor Relations section of our website investors.yatra.com/Investor-Relations-India

Quarterly Conference Call

The earnings conference call will be held on Monday, May 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM (IST) to discuss the Financial Results and performance of the company for the quarter ended March 31, 2026. The earnings conference call will be accessible from all networks and countries through: Microsoft Teams Link Further, the analyst(s)/institutional investor(s) presentation will be submitted to Stock Exchanges and shall also be hosted on the Company's website at investors.yatra.com/Investor-Relations-India

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release may contain forward-looking statements relating to the business, financial performance, strategy and results of the Company and/or the industry in which it operates that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements are statements concerning future circumstances and results, and any other statements that are not historical facts, generally identified by the words “aim”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “estimate”, “intend”, “likely to”, “objective”, “plan”, “project”, “propose”, “will”, “will continue”, “seek to”, “will pursue” or other words or phrases of similar import. Actual future performance, outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although the Company believes that such forward looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, forward looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Neither the Company nor its affiliates or advisors or representatives nor any such person’s officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors, nor do any such persons or entities accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecast developments. There is no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. It can give no assurance that such expectations will be met. Representative examples of factors that could affect the accuracy of forward-looking statements include (without limitation) the condition of and changes in India’s political and economic status, government policies, applicable laws, and international and domestic events having a bearing on the Company’s business, and such other factors beyond control of the Company.

About Yatra Online Limited

Yatra Online Limited (BSE: 543992, NSE: YATRA) is India’s Largest Corporate Travel services provider and one of India's leading consumer travel companies. Through the website, www.yatra.com, mobile applications, Corporate SaaS platform, and other associated platforms, leisure and business travelers can explore, research, compare prices and book a wide range of services. which include domestic and international air ticketing, hotel bookings. homestays, holiday packages, bus ticketing, rail ticketing. activities and ancillary services catering to the travel needs. Experience of being a NASDAQ listed company and managing public shareholders. Experienced management team and strong corporate governance comprising industry executives with deep roots in the travel industry with 90+ years of accumulated experience.

Four types of newly illustrated original bookmarks

At the TV Anime “Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori collaboration event, an SNS campaign is currently underway where visitors can receive exclusive original novelties by sharing memories of their experience on social media.

As a new addition to this campaign, four types of bookmarks featuring newly illustrated original designs will be available starting Friday, Jun 5.

The bookmarks distributed in this campaign are four types of limited-edition novelties featuring Eren, Mikasa, Erwin, and Levi holding bouquets, set against the backdrop of Awaji Island—known as a “flower island” where visitors can enjoy vibrant seasonal blooms throughout the year.

By posting photos or videos of your experience with the hashtags #NijigenNoMori and #shingeki, and presenting your post to the reception staff, you will receive one of the four bookmark designs at random. 

Share on social media your life-risking expeditions alongside your comrades as you face Titans in the darkness of night. At Nijigen no Mori, where the world of Attack on Titan comes to life, visitors can proudly showcase your unforgettable memories.

SNS Campaign New Novelty: Original Newly Illustrated “Bookmarks” Overview

Distribution Start: Friday, Jun 5, 2026

Business Hours:

Night Event: 19:30–22:00 (Last Entry 20:30)

Day Event:

Weekdays: 13:00–17:00 (Last Entry 17:30)

Holidays: 10:00–17:00 (Last Entry 17:30)

Location: TV Anime “Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori Collaboration Event Reception

Details: Post photos or videos of your experience at this collaboration event on social media with the hashtag #nijigennomori and #shingeki. By presenting your post to the reception staff, and you will receive one of four randomly selected bookmark desins featuring newly illustrated original characters.

Website: https://nijigennomori.com/en/awaji_shingeki/?utm_campaign=pr

TV Anime“Attack on Titan” × Nijigen no Mori Collaboration Event Overview

Period: Saturday, March 14, 2026 – Sunday, December 13, 2026

Location: 2425-2 Kusumoto, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan

(Inside Hyogo Prefectural Awajishima Park Anime Park “Nijigen no Mori”)

Overview: The world of the TV anime “Attack on Titan” will be recreated within the rich natural setting of Nijigen no Mori. Guests can enjoy the world of the anime through two events held by day and by night.

1. [Night Event]“Attack on Titan THE NIGHT WALK – Beyond the Wall –”

Walk approximately 1.2 km through the forest at night and experience the world of the TV anime “Attack on Titan” brought to life through projection mapping and immersive sound effects. Participants become new recruits of the Survey Corps and join the battle to reclaim freedom from the Titans, aiming for “beyond the walls” together with Eren Yeager and the members of the Survey Corps. At the goal, participants will receive an original card.

2. [Day Events]

Phase 1:“Attack on Titan Stamp Rally in Nijigen no Mori”

Participants can collect stamps of four characters in original illustrations, located throughout Nijigen no Mori, in a special stamp booklet. All participants will receive a novelty postcard with an original design.

Phase 2:“Attack on Titan Mystery Quest – Nijigen no Mori Edition / At-Home”

Participants take on the role of subordinates to Hans Zoe, who is deeply immersed in Titan research, and experience a mystery-solving adventure as they work to unravel various puzzles. The start date will be announced at a later time.

3. Collaboration Merchandise

Newly illustrated original artwork of Eren, Mikasa, Levi, and Erwin and others will appear as can badges and acrylic stands. In addition, a total of 36 original items packed with fun references for fans will be available, including goods such as “Captain Levi’s Quote Momo” and Armin’s “An Endless Lifetime’s Worth of Salt.”

4. Collaboration Food

The collaboration food lineup includes “Eren’s Determination Mapo Tofu Bowl,” inspired by Eren’s burning hatred and resolve against the Titans; “Sasha’s Sneak-Eating Plate,” featuring ingredients she secretly snacked on; and “Mikasa’s Warm Red Scarf Cake,” inspired by her iconic red scarf. In addition, collaboration drinks such as “Captain Levi’s After-Cleaning Tea au Lait,” perfect for a relaxing break after tidying up, will be offered, for a total of 11 items.

Ticket Information (Tax Included)

• All prices above include tax.

• Admission ticket prices for “Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK –Beyond the Walls–” may vary depending on the period. Please check the official Nijigen no Mori website for details.

• Children must be accompanied by at least one guardian (adult) for admission.

• Admission is free for children aged 4 and under for “Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK – Beyond the Walls.”

• Admission tickets for “Attack on Titan THE NIGHTWALK –Beyond the Walls–” are for designated time slots.

Business Hours

Night Event: 19:30–22:00 (Last admission 20:30)

Day Event

Weekdays: 13:00–19:00 (Last admission 17:30)

Weekends & Holidays: 10:00–19:00 (Last admission 17:30)　

Business hours are subject to change depending on the season. Please check the official Nijigen no Mori website for details.

Notes： The above information is current as of the date of release and is subject to change.　

Tickets:www.getyourguide.com/awaji-l155101/awaji-attack-on-titan-anime-park-entry-ticket-t1229530/

Official Website: nijigennomori.com/en/awaji_shingeki/

Inquiries：Nijigen no Mori Inc.“Nijigen no Mori” Management Office

Tel: +81-799-64-7061

©Hajime Isayama, KODANSHA/"ATTACK ON TITAN" The Final Season Production Committee.

About Nijigen no Mori (Anime Park Awaji Island)

Nijigen no Mori is an anime theme park located on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The sprawling park features famous titles from Japanese pop culture in interactive attractions set in the greenery of Awaji Island.

By utilizing digital and interactive technologies, the park offers immersive experiences for visitors of all ages and nationalities. It features attractions based on Japanese anime, manga, movies, and video games, allowing visitors to engage with these works through multi-sensory activities.

The park includes areas themed around classic titles such as NARUTO, Godzilla, Crayon Shinchan, and Dragon Quest, recreating the worlds of these works in a natural setting and offering hands-on, experiential attractions.

Access

• By Highway Bus

From Kansai International Airport, take a highway bus bound for Sannomiya, Namba, or Umeda. Transfer at one of these major hubs to a highway bus heading to Awaji Island. Please get off at either “Awaji IC” or “Nijigen no Mori.” Only one transfer is required, and the total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

• By Train + Highway Bus

From Kansai International Airport, travel by JR or Nankai Railway to the Osaka, Namba, or Sannomiya area. From there, transfer to a highway bus bound for Awaji Island. Please get off at either “Awaji IC” or “Nijigen no Mori.” The total travel time is approximately 3 hours.

©Hajime Isayama, KODANSHA/"ATTACK ON TITAN" The Final Season Production Committee.

Andamanda Phuket - where thrills, culture, flavours, and family memories come together for a world-class experience unlike anything back home

25 Attractions. 36 Slides. Zero Dull Moments.
Spread across five iconic zones inspired by Thai mythology, Andamanda offers something for every kind of visitor:
 

• 36 slide lanes, from heart-pounding drops to family-friendly twists, the most in Phuket.

• Southeast Asia's longest lazy river- 550 metres of pure relaxation winding through tropical scenery.

• A 10,000m² wave pool- generating waves up to 3 metres high. Prepare to get knocked off your feet.

• Private cabanas & water villas- with air conditioning and restrooms, for those who like their downtime in style.

• Dedicated kids' zones- with lifeguards and age-appropriate splash areas, so the little ones have their own adventure.

More Than Slides - A Living Cultural Experience
Andamanda brings Thai heritage to life every single day. Daily live entertainment includes a Muay Thai showcase and "The Story of Andamanda"-a breathtaking live performance of music, dance, and Thai folklore that you will not find in any other water park in the world. The park's mythological sculptures, traditional architecture, and five legend-themed zones make every corner worth exploring and photographing.
 

Food for Every Taste
Andamanda's dining options are built with all guests in mind. You will find authentic Thai classics alongside international favourites, plus vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free options. Indian favourites are also well-represented: chicken and vegetable samosas, butter chicken, and fragrant biryani keep the whole family happy and energised. With multiple restaurants spread across the park, a great meal is always close by.
 

Tickets and Visitor Information
Tickets are available online via the official website at andamandaphuket.com.

Advance booking is recommended to ensure availability and access to the best available rates. A full day here never feels long enough. Andamanda keeps the energy high from morning until closing.

www.andamandaphuket.com
www.linkedin.com/company/andamandaphuket
www.facebook.com/Andamandaphuket
www.instagram.com/andamandaphuket/

Soneva Fushi - Family at the Water Retreats

Across Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Secret, each resort offers its own distinctive character through thoughtfully curated experiences, paired with the comfort and privacy of some of the world's most exceptional residences and villas. The season is further enriched by a world-class lineup of Soneva Stars, whose presence inspires, entertains and enriches every stay.

Soneva Stars – 
Surf Camp with Luke Stedman (Soneva Fushi | 15 - 30 July) - Born into a legendary surfing family, Luke was destined to ride waves from an early age. His passion and dedication propelled him to the elite ranks of the World Championship Tour, where he earned the coveted Rookie of the Year title and defeated icons like Kelly Slater. A career-high world ranking of 10th cemented his status as one of the world' s top surfers. Join our expert-led surf camp and ride your first wave with confidence and style.

Tennis Camp with Todd Woodbridge (Soneva Fushi | 21 - 30 July) - Todd is best known as one of the greatest doubles players in history. Throughout his career, Todd amassed 22 Grand Slam doubles titles: 16 in men's doubles and 6 in mixed doubles. In total, Todd won 83 ATP doubles titles, holding the World No. 1 doubles ranking for 204 weeks. Todd will inaugurate The Padel & Tennis Club.

Carlos Leon Gonzales of Aponiente (Soneva Fushi | 31 July - 9 August, Soneva Secret | 9 - 12 August) - Carlos is a distinguished hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience in luxury gastronomy and sustainability-driven restaurant management. As the General Manager of Aponiente Group, he oversees the operations of Aponiente and Alevante in Spain and beyond. Under his leadership, Aponiente has redefined fine dining with its groundbreaking approach to sustainability, named the world' s most sustainable restaurant in 2023 by The World' s 50 Best.

Soneva Jani - Water Retreats

A curated collection of seasonal moments, shaped by the rhythm of the islands in summer, around the reef, around the table and in the quiet hours between. Each one pared back to what feels essential.

The season opens with a Summer Splash Pool Party on 21 July at Soneva Fushi and closes with a Summer Colour Festival on the last night. In between: Family Olympics on the beach, a Summer Sky Kite Festival, S’mores & Karaoke camp nights and a family day across the lagoon on Maalhos. The communal heartbeat of the summer, for every generation on the island.

Summer Suppers & Long Tables at Soneva Fushi - Set menu evenings at Once Upon a Table, a seafood night with Chef Soba, a two-chef showdown between Chef Rizal and Chef Chintaka, and cooking classes from Chef Manoj, Chef Ravi and Chef Liang. Alongside them, weekly beach BBQs, Korean, Indonesian and a Maldivian BBQ with Boduberu drumming under the stars.

Full Moon Kayaking Paddles across the lagoon of Soneva Jani, on the brightest nights of the summer, open water, a low horizon of stars and the hush that only the Maldives keeps after dark.

At Soneva Jani, a collective canvas will be created through July and August by the children and teens staying on the island. By the end of the season, the mural is finished and it stays. A quiet record of the summer you were here.

The Secret Family Adventure - Smaller, gentler moments for the families in residence at Soneva Secret. A Five Senses Scavenger Hunt, a Families Fishing Competition off the jetty, a Family Treasure Hunt across the island and a Family Hot Pot Fiesta on the beach. The quieter side of a summer together.

More experiences this summer here.

Begin planning your summer stay at Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani or Soneva Secret, where bespoke villas, immersive experiences and personalised service are crafted entirely around you. 

Summer offer - Enjoy up to 20% off your stay, seaplane advantages and thoughtful family inclusions, creating space for sun-filled days and shared moments under the Maldivian sky.

Gardens by the Bay's Children Festival featuring Disney's Winnie the Pooh

Disney Garden of Wonder
Following its successful debut in 2024, Disney Garden of Wonder is back at Floral Fantasy with new topiary displays and dioramas of beloved Disney and Pixar characters. For the first time, the 2026 edition of Disney Garden of Wonder will introduce displays of Disney Princess heroines Rapunzel, Belle and Jasmine. In another first, topiary versions of Frozen's Anna and Elsa will also preside over an enchanting snowy landscape, brought to life through floral artistry and themed lighting that imagines a frost-kissed world of wonder.

Gardens by the Bay's Garden of Wonder at Floral Fantasy

Visitors can look forward to 23 topiary characters across six themed zones, including fan favourites such as: Sorcerer's Apprentice Mickey; Woody, Jessie and Buzz Lightyear from Disney and Pixar's Toy Story 5; as well as Hundred Acre Wood pals like Winnie the Pooh, Eeyore, Piglet and Tigger. Rounding out the journey is a uniquely Singaporean finale, where visitors can snap playful photos with displays of Disney characters reimagined in local settings, alongside famed hawker fare such as laksa and teh tarik.

With its blend of floral artistry, familiar characters and magical storytelling, Disney Garden of Wonder offers families a visually rich journey that appeals across generations during the upcoming school holidays.

Disney Garden of Wonder will run from 8 June 2026 to 14 March 2027.

Children's Festival 2026 featuring Disney's Winnie the Pooh
The free Children's Festival is back at Gardens by the Bay's Supertree Grove this June holidays, celebrating 100 years of Winnie the Pooh and the beloved bear's enduring message to be kind, stay curious, and keep a little honey in your heart.

Highlights include:

• The Hundred Acre Glide, inspired by the Hundred Acre Wood – the first zipline in Singapore themed after Disney's Winnie the Pooh. Featuring a treehouse-style installation, children can glide 16 metres across the festival grounds against the backdrop of the Supertrees.

• The Sweetest Drops, inspired by Winnie the Pooh –this honeycomb-themed ball pit is inspired by Pooh's search for his favourite snack, honey, which often turns into an adventure.

• The Brave Logs, inspired by Piglet – balance across planks and "tree stumps" in this quick-footed adventure that encourages children to summon their courage and take things one step at a time.

• The Enchanted Meadows, inspired by Eeyore – slow down and enjoy gentle see-saws in this play area themed after a breezy field of flowers.

• The Joyful Puddles, inspired by Tigger – drawing from Tigger's energetic personality, these "puddle" trampolines are perfect for a day of bouncing fun in the sun.

Pooh's Grand Friendship Party inflatable march
For the first time in Southeast Asia, Gardens by the Bay will be presenting a march into Supertree Grove with super-sized inflatables up to seven metres in height. Titled "Pooh's Grand Friendship Party", visitors of all ages may join in this lively song and dance twice on Saturdays, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for the entire family.

There is even more to explore, from a special Disney-themed retail pop-up to carnival games.

Gardens by the Bay's Children's Festival runs from May 30 to June 21 and admission is free.

For more information on Garden of Wonder and Children's Festival, please visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.

Disney Garden of Wonder
Date: Monday, 8 June 2026 to Sunday, 14 March 2027
Time: 10.00am to 9.00pm
Venue: Floral Fantasy, Gardens by the Bay
Details: Tickets are priced at SGD$24 for adults and SGD$16 for children. Tickets are available at ticket.gardensbythebay.com.sg.
 

Children's Festival 2026 featuring Disney's Winnie the Pooh
Date: Saturday 30 May to Sunday, 21 June 2026
Time: 10.00am to 9.00pm
Venue: Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay
Details: Admission is free
 

Pooh's Grand Friendship Party inflatable march

Venue: Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay
 

Getting here: Take the MRT to Bayfront station or Gardens by the Bay station. Alternatively, drop off at the Main Arrival or Bayfront Plaza carpark via taxi or ride-hailing service. More information available here.

About Gardens by the Bay

An integral part of Singapore's "City in Nature" vision, Gardens by the Bay is a national garden and premier horticultural attraction that showcases the best of garden and floral artistry for all to enjoy. Spanning 101 hectares in the heart of Singapore's downtown Marina Bay, it comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East, and Bay Central. Bay South, the largest at 54 hectares, officially opened on 29 June 2012.

Guided by the vision to be a world of gardens for all to own, enjoy and cherish, the Gardens' extensive plant collection, ever-changing floral displays, and myriad of engaging programmes have captured the imagination of many, while its Gift of Gardens community initiative, with Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, President of the Republic of Singapore as Patron, reaches out to people from all walks of life.

Since opening, Gardens by the Bay has welcomed more than 115 million visitors and garnered numerous international accolades including the third Top Attraction in the World in Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Awards Best of the Best 2026, Outstanding Achievement in Sustainability at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2024, Best Theme Attraction at TTG Travel Awards 2022 and 2023, and Best Attraction Experience at the Singapore Tourism Awards 2019. The Gardens continues to refresh and refine its offerings, to be a place that everyone can enjoy – a garden where wonder blooms.

For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg.

President To Lam, CM Devendra Fadnavis, VNA Chairman Dang Ngoc Hoa and Captain Rahul Bali

The MoU signing ceremony took place in Mumbai on 7 May 2026 in the esteemed presence of H.E. Mr. To Lam, President of Vietnam and Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra along with several distinguished dignitaries and senior leaders from both nations including Culture & Tourism Minister of Vietnam H.E. Mr. Ho An Phong & Indian Ambassador to Vietnam H. E. Tshering Sherpa.

This landmark collaboration forms part of the historic first official state visit of Vietnamese President H.E. Mr. To Lam to India and coincides with the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Vietnam–India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, underscoring the growing friendship, trust, and strategic cooperation between the two nations.

The MoU was formally signed by Dang Ngoc Hoa, Chairman of Vietnam Airlines, Nguyen Huu Y Yen, Chairwoman of Saigontourist Group, and Captain Rahul Bali, Managing Director of Innovations India, who is also the Producer of SILAA and the Curator of Namaste Vietnam Festival.

Speaking on the occasion, President H.E. Mr. To Lam said, “Vietnam and India share a timeless friendship built on trust, cultural understanding, and mutual respect. Collaborations in cinema, tourism, and cultural exchange not only strengthen people-to-people connections but also open new avenues of cooperation between our nations. I am pleased to see institutions from Vietnam and India coming together to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during this important milestone year.”

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated, “Maharashtra has always been India’s gateway for culture, cinema, business, and international collaboration. The partnership between Vietnam and Indian enterprises is a wonderful example of how creative industries and tourism can become powerful instruments of diplomacy and economic growth. Such initiatives will further strengthen the bonds of friendship between India and Vietnam while creating new opportunities for tourism, investment, and cultural engagement.”

Captain Rahul Bali added, “It is a matter of immense pride for us to collaborate with the Government of Vietnam through iconic institutions like Vietnam Airlines and Saigontourist Group during such a historic milestone year for India–Vietnam relations. Through cinema, tourism and cultural diplomacy, we aim to create impactful platforms that bring the people of Vietnam and India closer and will inspire greater travel, deeper understanding and stronger engagement between them.”

The upcoming Bollywood film SILAA is an ambitious cinematic collaboration that seeks to build a powerful emotional and cultural bridge between India and Vietnam while showcasing the beauty, hospitality, heritage, and tourism potential of Vietnam to Indian and global audiences. Directed by Omung Kumar, the movie stars Harshvardhan Rane and Sadia Khateeb in leading roles. Produced by Captain Rahul Bali's venture, Innovations India along with Zee Studios, Blue Lotus Pictures and Stark Entertainment the film is scheduled for release in 2026.

Meanwhile, the 5th edition of Namaste Vietnam Festival is set to further strengthen bilateral engagement through a vibrant celebration of cinema, tourism, culture, fashion and people-to-people exchanges. Over the years, the festival has emerged as one of the most prominent platforms dedicated to enhancing India–Vietnam friendship and cultural diplomacy.

This strategic collaboration between Vietnam Airlines, Saigontourist Group and Innovations India is expected to significantly boost tourism exchanges, film cooperation and cultural connectivity between the two nations. At a time when India and Vietnam are celebrating a decade of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, initiatives such as these reaffirm the shared commitment of both countries towards strengthening bilateral relations through soft power, tourism, creative industries, and cultural diplomacy. The MoU is being viewed as a major milestone in the evolving India–Vietnam partnership and a powerful example of how cinema, tourism and cultural initiatives can further deepen friendship and cooperation between the people of both nations.

Despite a backdrop of uncertainty, summer travel is still on for many, with 77% of Indians confident about travelling in the next 3 months. In fact, nearly 9 in 10 Indians are planning or have already booked their Summer 2026 holiday. With only about 38% yet to book their summer holidays, but are actively looking, showing sustained desire for travel despite ongoing uncertainty.

Neel Ghose, Travel and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India

However, planning is becoming increasingly complex. This evolving approach is being shaped by a few key considerations:

• Airfare trends, with nearly half of travellers (48%) factoring in fluctuating flight prices

• Overall trip value, as 45% weigh total travel costs more carefully

• Travel advisories, influencing decisions for 34% of travellers

• Operational disruptions, such as airport closures, are impacting 32% of plans

However, there are early signs of more informed planning, with 58% believing July offers cheaper flights compared to August, highlighting a growing awareness of when to travel for better value.

As travellers navigate these trade-offs, planning is becoming more dynamic than ever. Rather than locking in early, many are keeping an eye on price movements and exploring alternative destinations before committing

Neel Ghose, Travel and Destinations Expert, Skyscanner India, said, “Summer 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most intent-driven travel seasons we’ve seen in India, but what’s changing is how that intent is translating into action. Travellers are not stepping back; they are adapting within constraints. Instead of cancelling, they are staying flexible on where they go, with many willing to switch destinations in response to changing costs and conditions.

We’re also seeing a clear shift in mindset from ‘where everyone is going’ to ‘where else can I go’. This growing openness to alternative and lesser-known destinations signals a more confident and value-aware traveller, one who is more open to switching plans if it improves the overall experience. With these pressures shaping decisions, travellers are looking for smarter ways to unlock value without compromising on the trip. Tools like Skyscanner’s ‘Whole Month’ search are helping travellers make smarter decisions by making it easier to compare options, track fares, and identify better-value travel windows.”

Outsmart Travel Planning Hurdles

As travel intent remains strong, planning is becoming more dynamic. Rather than cancelling trips, travellers are increasingly adapting, switching destinations, adjusting timing, or rethinking how to get the most out of their travel budgets.

Features like Skyscanner’s Price Alerts are helping simplify these decisions by allowing travellers to track fare changes and book when prices are right.

Outsmart Destination Choices and Summer Crowds

This shift is already visible in destination choices and travel pattern:

• 81% are open to lesser-known destinations

• 60% are actively seeking quieter, less crowded places

• 9 in 10 say it is important that their holiday spend benefits local communities and small businesses

A significant behavioural shift is underway, as travellers move away from crowded hotspots towards more meaningful, offbeat and community-driven experiences.

(See the top most popular and cheapest destinations for Summer 2026 below in the appendix.)

Zostel, a hostel network available on Skyscanner, is already seeing this shift in action.

Aviral Gupta, CEO of Zostel and Zo World, said, “At Zostel, we’ve been watching this shift happen in real time. Offbeat destinations across our network grew 88% year-on-year, and a significant 60% of those guests were first-time travellers, many of them from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Smaller-town India is no longer just a backdrop for travel stories; it’s where the story begins. Partnering with Skyscanner on this report only reinforces what we see on the ground every day. The Indian traveller is smarter, bolder, and more curious than ever.”

(See top 10 most popular and cheapest destinations for Summer 2026 below in the appendix.)

Outsmart Flexible Travel Planning

While travel intent remains strong, flexibility is also reshaping how plans are executed. Although 58% of travellers have fixed travel dates due to work or school commitments, 30% are choosing to switch destinations rather than cancel trips, showing how adaptability is becoming central to travel planning.

As travellers balance fixed schedules with evolving preferences, the findings point to a clear shift towards more flexible, value-led decision-making, where being open to alternatives is becoming the defining factor in making summer travel plans work.

Outsmart Group Travel Planning Hurdles

Planning group summer holidays is known to be effortful. On average, Indians spend over 15 hours coordinating a group trip, with nearly half saying it is more stressful than major life events such as moving house or planning a wedding.

The biggest challenge often lies in aligning preferences, budgets and schedules, making group travel one of the most time-consuming parts of the journey. As a result, travellers are increasingly looking for ways to simplify decision-making and reduce friction when planning together. The Skyscanner app has multiple travel planning tools to help travellers compare options and find the best deals available.

Beyond Planning: The Emotional Side of Travel

But beyond the planning, travel remains an emotional experience shaped by the moments, sounds, and memories that stay with us long after the trip ends. Complementing these insights from the Smarter Summer Report, Skyscanner has also curated a summer soundtrack, in collaboration with musician and artist Mayur Jumani, created from familiar sounds of travel, from planes taking off to security check in, luggage trollies, and airport announcements, bringing the rhythm of the journey itself to life.

The campaign will be launched on Skyscanner India’s official Instagram on 1st May.

To explore the full Smarter Summer report and start planning with more options, visit here: Smarter Summer Report

As always, travellers are encouraged to stay informed and keep up to date with local government travel advice before booking and compare live prices as they plan.

About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trips with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options. Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America, where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place. 

Notes to the Editor:

**Flights data based on returned economy flights.

***All illustrative prices in this release are based on Skyscanner data for the specified period and are subject to change. Live prices for travel on the day of publication may vary. 

Appendix

The Top Cheapest Destinations for Summer 2026:   

Most Popular Destinations for Summer 2026:   

Unlike existing AI travel assistants that are limited to single-destination searches or require users to switch between multiple platforms to piece together a journey, DIYA enables end-to-end multi-city planning and booking within a single, continuous chat conversation. From intuitively understanding traveler intent to surfacing the best flight options and recommending hotels across destinations, DIYA goes a step further by creating ready-to-book packages and curating relevant local experiences.

Travellers can now simply describe their multi-city travel plans in natural language, e.g “Plan a 7-day trip covering Bali & Singapore for 2 people. I'll start from Delhi on July 17.” and DIYA will instantly create a comprehensive, bookable itinerary that includes flights, hotel stays, & packages across cities, and curated activity recommendations, eliminating the need to navigate multiple tabs or manually build itineraries.

DIYA accommodates a range of journey structures: one-way trips across cities, return flights from same or a different destination, or full multi-country loops. It recommends hotels for each stop and suggests relevant experiences, reducing trip-planning time from hours or days to minutes.

This builds on DIYA’s existing capabilities as a generative AI-powered travel assistant that offers end-to-end trip planning, booking, and post-booking support across chat and voice in over 100 languages. Powered by advanced AI models including Google’s Gemini, DIYA leverages natural language processing, real-time integrations, and retrieval-augmented generation to deliver personalized, context-aware travel experiences.

Commenting on the development, Siddhartha Gupta, Chief Executive Officer, Yatra Online, said, “The gap in online travel has never really been about access to options. There are plenty of those. The real problem has always been the effort it takes to turn those options into an actual trip. Travellers were left to do all the hard work themselves - coordinating across platforms, second-guessing their choices, and spending weekends on planning instead of looking forward to the journey. With DIYA, we are taking a major step forward in closing that gap. From the first message to the final booking, DIYA holds the entire experience together- intelligently, conversationally, and in real time. That, for us, is what making travel truly intelligent looks like.”

“DIYA leverages the semantic intelligence of Large Language Models to deeply understand traveler intent and sentiment. It then applies advanced reasoning to craft highly personalized itineraries and dynamic travel packages-seamlessly identifying the best flights and hotels in real time. Users can continue to refine the package until it’s perfectly aligned with their needs,” adds Shakti Goel, Chief Architect and Data Scientist, Yatra Online.

Since DIYA’s launch in August 2025, Yatra continues to expand its capabilities as a consumer-first AI travel assistant, moving closer to fully autonomous, end-to-end travel planning. By combining conversational intelligence with real-time execution across flights, hotels, and experiences, DIYA is redefining how travellers discover, plan, and book increasingly complex journeys in a faster, more intuitive way.

For more details, please contact: yatra@prpundithavasred.com.

About Yatra Online Limited
Yatra Online Limited (BSE: 543992, NSE: YATRA) is India’s Largest Corporate Travel services provider and one of India's leading consumer travel companies. Through the website, www.yatra.com, mobile applications, Corporate SaaS platform, and other associated platforms, leisure and business travelers can explore, research, compare prices and book a wide range of services. which include domestic and international air ticketing, hotel bookings. homestays, holiday packages, bus ticketing, rail ticketing activities and ancillary services catering to the travel needs. Experience of being a NASDAQ listed company and managing public shareholders. Experienced management team and strong corporate governance comprising industry executives with deep roots in the travel industry with 90+ years of accumulated experience.

Skyscanner, leading global travel app extended cricket fandom beyond stadium stands and into the travel choices fans make around IPL fixtures with ‘Hotline to SKY,’ a first‑of‑its‑kind travel helpline featuring pre‑recorded tips voiced by cricketer and brand ambassador Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav. Designed to help fans navigate match‑day travel during the ongoing IPL season, the hotline invited callers to access quick, practical guidance on planning their journeys. 

In just eight days, the activation logged over 3,000 calls, underlining how live sport is increasingly shaping domestic travel decisions. By blending cricket culture with everyday travel dilemmas, the hotline delivered concise advice on flying smarter, staying flexible and finding better value as fixtures unfold across India.

SKY‑led social reels extended the hotline’s impact, translating match‑day curiosity into practical travel considerations for fans.

• Instagram Reel Link 1

• Instagram Reel Link 2

What cricket fans were calling about

Call data highlights how closely fans are thinking about travel alongside the tournament:

• 35% of callers tuned in specifically for last‑minute travel planning tips, navigating sudden schedule changes and high‑demand routes

• 31% of callers were interested to learn about longer itinerary planning and budget friendly ways to travel

• Nearly 1 in 7 callers dialed in for a quick “vibe check” with SKY, adding a personal, mood‑driven layer to the experience

Beyond the hotline, the campaign reached nearly 20 million people via outdoor billboards across Delhi and Mumbai, and over 1 million through social engagements across channels.

What Fans Discovered on the Hotline

As IPL 2026 runs from 28 March to 31 May, bringing new venues, packed weekends and shifting fixtures, fans tapped into the hotline to simplify common match‑day travel challenges, including:

A new gateway into Mumbai’s match action

With Navi Mumbai International Airport opening ahead of this season, SKY pointed fans to Skyscanner’s Nearby Airports feature, helping them spot alternate routes into host cities. Skyscanner search data shows a 10x month‑on‑month spike in searches for Navi Mumbai International Airport over the 10–12 April match weekend, underlining growing awareness and intent.

Following the tournament, not just one team 

For fans undecided on which matches to attend, the hotline spotlighted Skyscanner’s Explore Everywhere feature, enabling open‑ended discovery of where the best‑value matches are taking place. From high‑altitude fixtures in Dharamshala to classic rivalries at Eden Gardens, the feature encourages fans to build travel plans around experiences, not just locations.

Staying flexible when fixtures move

Recent schedule changes, such as the Gujarat Titans vs Chennai Super Kings match shifting from Ahmedabad to Chennai on 26 April, highlighted how dynamic the IPL calendar can be. SKY guided callers through Skyscanner’s Flexible Dates feature, helping them identify cost‑effective travel windows even when plans change late.

Tracking fares before the big games sell out

Ahead of blockbuster clashes like MI vs CSK on 23 April and its reverse fixture on 2 May, fans were encouraged to set up Price Alerts, allowing them to monitor fare movements and book at the right moment, before both flights and seats fill up.

Additionally, fans didn’t just call for logistics, many stayed on to hear SKY’s personal reflections on match‑day energy, pressure and preparation, making the experience feel as entertaining as it was useful. When asked about his favourite travel memory, SKY said “My favourite memories are when you see fans coming from another city, wearing their team’s jersey, full of belief. As a player, that energy hits different. That’s when you realise cricket is more than a game — it’s pure emotion.”

Cricket Travel Demand Accelerates

Skyscanner data indicates that interest in IPL‑linked travel continues to build across key host cities as marquee fixtures approach. Commenting on the campaign’s success, Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, said, “With cricket‑led travel now firmly established, we wanted to focus on making the planning itself simpler and smarter. By bringing Skyscanner’s tools — like Nearby Airports and Explore Everywhere — into an easy, conversational format through SKY, we’ve helped fans move quickly from curiosity to action. The response shows that people aren’t just asking ‘Should I go?’ but ‘How do I make this trip work?’ — and that’s exactly the gap this campaign set out to address.”

Designed as a quick, intuitive experience, the hotline followed a familiar behaviour: reaching for the phone when you need fast answers. Strong call‑completion rates across the activation further reflected how relevant the content felt during peak match weeks.

With key fixtures still ahead, Skyscanner expects momentum around match‑related travel to continue building through the remainder of the IPL season, as fans look for flexible, value‑driven ways to follow the action.

About Skyscanner 
Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.

Frequent, Short Trips Redefine Travel Patterns

The insights are based on a survey of Asian travelers conducted as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, highlighting a shift among Indian Gen Z toward traveling with partners (57%) and taking solo trips (22%), moving away from traditional family travel. At the same time, many expect a mix of domestic and international trips, reflecting a preference for balancing exploration with convenience.

Frequent, Short Trips Redefine Travel Patterns

Indian Gen Z is traveling more frequently, with shorter trips becoming the norm. 84% of respondents plan to take between one and six trips a year, and 72% opt for stays of just one to seven days. This shift reflects a move toward travel that is easier to plan and repeat, allowing trips to fit around work, study, and personal schedules. India, alongside markets such as Thailand and Vietnam, show a stronger inclination toward higher trip frequency, reinforcing how travel is becoming embedded in everyday life rather than reserved for specific seasons.

Experiences Take Priority Over Destinations

For Gen Z, travel is increasingly defined by what they want to do, rather than where they want to go. Respondents across India say their trips are primarily motivated by the pursuit of experiences, including cultural exploration (56%) and outdoor activities (36%) as the leading drivers. While experience remains central, relaxation still plays an important role for Gen Z, with 72% of travelers also citing it as part of their travel plans.

This points to a more deliberate approach to travel, where each trip is shaped by a clear set of experiences. Gen Z travelers plan around what they want to get out of a trip, whether it is cultural immersion, time outdoors, or a change of pace. As a result, destinations are chosen based on how well they align with that intent.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, India Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda, said, “For Gen Z in India, travel is increasingly becoming a regular part of their lifestyle rather than an occasional activity. What stands out is how consciously this generation is planning travel by prioritizing flexibility and experiences that align with their interests. At Agoda, we are focused on supporting this evolving behavior by offering a wide range of options across flights, accommodations, and activities, making it easier for Gen Z to plan trips that fit seamlessly into their schedules and preferences while continuing to access great value.”

With over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda enables travelers to plan and combine every part of their journey in one place. Its platform supports different travel styles and preferences, making it easier to plan trips that fit individual pace and priorities. Discover more on Agoda’s mobile app or at Agoda.com.

Notes to Editors

About the Data

Agoda surveyed respondents from nine markets in Asia (India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam).

About Agoda

Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of over 6 million hotels and holiday properties, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG), employs over 7,500 people globally, and is dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel easy and affordable.

Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship

Presented by Andaman & Nicobar Tourism, the championship will bring together some of India’s top-ranked surfers and stand-up paddle (SUP) athletes competing in the Senior Division across Surfing and Stand-Up Paddle disciplines.

The championship was formally inaugurated by Chandra Bhushan Kumar, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in the presence of senior officials from the Administration, representatives of the Surfing Federation of India, and a large gathering of surfers from across the country.

The event is expected to witness the participation of around 86 surfers, including international competitors, who will compete across multiple categories such as Men’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Women’s Open Surfing Shortboard, Men’s Open Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP), and Women’s Open Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP).

With the hosting of Little Andaman Pro 2026, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are poised to script a new chapter in adventure tourism and ocean sports, firmly establishing Little Andaman as an emerging surfing destination in India.

The championship represents an important step in expanding India’s competitive surfing circuit. By introducing athletes to new and technically challenging wave environments, the event provides valuable exposure beyond the typical beach breaks of mainland India. Events of this scale play a vital role in strengthening the national surfing talent pipeline by offering athletes the experience and competitive platform required to progress to international competitions.

Speaking about the upcoming championship, Arun Vasu, President of the Surfing Federation of India, said, “The Little Andaman Pro marks an important milestone for Indian surfing. It not only strengthens our National Surf Series but also provides athletes the opportunity to compete in high-quality reef conditions, which is essential for their growth at the international level.”

A senior official from Andaman & Nicobar Tourism added, “We are proud to support the Little Andaman Pro 2026. The event showcases the incredible natural potential of the islands while promoting sustainable tourism and adventure sports in the region.”

As surfing continues to gain popularity worldwide, destinations that combine world-class waves with responsible tourism practices are becoming increasingly significant. The Andaman Islands, known for their pristine marine ecosystems and conservation-driven approach to tourism, offer an ideal setting for such sporting events.

Beyond the competition, the championship highlights the immense potential of the islands as a future hub for surfing and ocean sports. With crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and consistent swell patterns, Little Andaman presents natural advantages that are increasingly attracting surfers and adventure travellers.

The event also aims to engage and inspire local communities by creating opportunities for participation, training, and employment within the growing ocean sports ecosystem.

Little Andaman Pro 2026 ultimately celebrates the spirit of surfing while promoting environmental awareness and sustainable engagement with the ocean.

For More Information: www.instagram.com/sfisurfing

Event Overview
Event: Little Andaman Pro 2026 – National Surf & SUP Championship
Dates: 9 – 12 April 2026
Location: Little Andaman, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Divisions: Senior Division (Surfing & Stand-Up Paddle)
Organised by: Surfing Federation of India
Presented by: Andaman & Nicobar Tourism

About the Surfing Federation of India
The Surfing Federation of India (SFI) is the national governing body for surfing in India, responsible for developing the sport through competitions, athlete development programs, and international representation. Under the leadership of President Arun Vasu, SFI continues to build a strong and inclusive surfing ecosystem across the country.

For more information, please log on to www.surfingfederationofindia.org

Organised in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the carnival served as an engaging platform not only to promote Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage and tourism offerings, but also to reflect the growing depth of Malaysia–India economic and industry collaboration.

Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia in India and Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director of Tourism Malaysia – New Delhi giving away prizes to winners

Dato’ Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia in India, said, "The Visit Malaysia Carnival 2026 is a reflection of the strong people-to-people connection between Malaysia and India. Through culture, cuisine, and shared experiences, we aim to bring Malaysia closer to our friends in India and invite them to explore the many wonders our country has to offer during Visit Malaysia Year 2026."

Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director of Tourism Malaysia – New Delhi, added, "This carnival is not just a cultural showcase, but also an invitation to Indian travellers to discover Malaysia as a preferred holiday destination. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we look forward to welcoming more Indian tourists to experience Malaysia’s nature, islands, shopping, cuisine, and unique multicultural harmony."

Perwakilan Ladies Association of Malaysia in India celebrating at the Visit Malaysia Carnival 2026

The carnival featured captivating cultural performances, live cooking demonstrations of authentic Malaysian dishes, education, tourism and business booths, interactive fun and games, and an exciting raffles draw for visitors of all ages. Guests enjoyed tasting an assortment of Malaysian cuisine and tropical fruits, offering a true flavour of Malaysia in the heart of New Delhi.

Guest at Visit Malaysia Carnival 2026

A key highlight of the event was the strong participation of strategic industry partners whose presence added a distinctive business dimension to the carnival. Leading the lineup as Platinum Partners were SMH Rail India Pvt Ltd, PETRA Group, Gentari India and Allanasons Pvt Ltd. These organisations represent sectors spanning railway projects and rail engineering solutions, sustainable manufacturing, social capitalism, clean energy solutions, green mobility, decarbonisation initiatives, and agri-trade – reflecting Malaysia’s strategic and future-facing economic engagement with India.

The broader partner ecosystem further highlighted the diversity of Malaysia – India trade and industry linkages, including Ingress Autoventures (India) Pvt Ltd, and Patton International, demonstrating strong collaboration across automotive components manufacturing, and industrial engineering sectors.

In the consumer and hospitality space, strong support from K Hospitality Corp and Travel Food Services reflected the convergence between travel, lifestyle, and consumer services that connect the two nations.

Air connectivity, a crucial enabler of tourism and business exchange, was reinforced by the presence of Malaysia Airlines and Batik Air, highlighting seamless links between India and Malaysia.

By bringing together credible industry leaders alongside cultural and tourism showcases, the Visit Malaysia Carnival 2026 delivered a differentiated platform – combining destination promotion with a strong signal of business confidence and deepening bilateral engagement.

Held at the High Commission premises at Satya Marg, Chanakyapuri, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation throughout the evening, reinforcing the growing interest among Indians to explore Malaysia for travel, education, business, and lifestyle experiences.

The High Commission of Malaysia in India and Tourism Malaysia – New Delhi extend their sincere appreciation to all attendees, partners, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to the grand success of the Visit Malaysia Carnival 2026.

About Tourism Malaysia

Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website at www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

(From left) Thai Celebrity "Blue", Thai Celebrity "Dunk", TUMI's Senior VP of Global Marketing and eCommerce, Jill Krizelman, TUMI's Global Creative Director, Victor Sanz, TUMI's Vice President of Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Aris Maroulis, Thai Celebrity "Becky", and Thai Celebrity "Mile"
 

The "Mediterranean Escape" journey welcomed over 80 guests for a weekend designed to channel the destination's relaxed spirit. Thai celebrities in attendance included Phakphum Romsaithong ("Mile"), Blue Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen ("Blue"), Natachai Boonprasert ("Dunk"), and Becky Armstrong ("Becky"). TUMI's Global Creative Director, Victor Sanz, and Senior VP of Global Marketing and eCommerce, Jill Krizelman, shared the "design-meets-destination" philosophy that anchors the new collection. Guests also engaged with Aris Maroulis, TUMI's Vice President of Asia-Pacific and Middle East, who shared the brand's strategic focus on growing its women's and lifestyle categories.
 

Pink Clay and Thyme Corners and Lemonade Bar
 

The Spring 2026 collection marks a shift from the brand's signature darker palette, spotlighting TUMI's evolving women's and lifestyle offering with vibrant colors, prints, and new textures. These are featured across core collections—including 19 Degree travel cases, Voyageur totes and backpacks, Olas shoulder bags and totes, and Harrison backpacks—delivering a refreshed look and feel. A robust assortment of accessories rounds out the new collection.
 

TUMI Spring 2026 "Mediterranean Escape" Event
 

Victor Sanz shared, "This Spring, we're exploring a different side of TUMI – more expressive, more vibrant– with pieces inspired by a Mediterranean journey. The collection draws from the colors, textures, and atmosphere of the region, channeling that sense of escape and bringing a more emotional lifestyle dimension to how we design for travel."

From the moment guests touched down, they were greeted with hints of the Mediterranean, enjoying sunset cocktails and a Mediterranean-inspired dinner.

The following day, Victor Sanz welcomed the guests into their own "Mediterranean Escape" – a reimagined coastal town with splashes of thyme green, sun-washed terracotta, and radiant yellow, mirroring the collection's destination-inspired hues. Wandering amongst enchanting florals, fresh lemons, and beautiful ceramics, guests were invited to visit the Lemonade Bar for a welcome drink while exploring a complementary summery capsule of women's Voyageur and Olas collections paired with eye-catching 19 Degree travel cases.

Guests continued their discovery at two distinct beachside settings: the Pink Clay Corner and the Thyme Corner. These spaces featured the newly introduced 19 Degree Front Access travel case and key styles from the women's Voyageur and Belden accessories collections, as well as the seasonal Mediterranean Print capsule.
 

(From Left) Korean content creator Choi Yunnyeong, Indonesian model & content creator Helen Hiu, Filipino content creator Camille Co, and Malaysian actress Bella Dowanna
 

Guests concluded the journey with sunset drinks, dinner, and a closing party featuring fire dancing and a DJ performance on the beach.

Aris Maroulis shared, "To truly capture the spirit of our Spring 2026 collection, we knew we had to let our guests step inside it. We designed a sensory journey that brings to life the evolution of our women's and lifestyle offerings."

The Mediterranean Escape collection is available now at TUMI.com and in TUMI stores worldwide.
 

About TUMI
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we're committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. For more about TUMI, visit TUMI.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

TUMI and TUMI logo are registered trademarks of Tumi, Inc. © 2026 Tumi, Inc.

Riding on the wave of a spectacular line‑up of mega events throughout March and April, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) rolled out the “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign. The campaign brings together eight highlighted world‑class mega events of arts, pop culture and sports, and citywide programmes, inviting visitors from around the world to experience the vibrant arts scenes in local neighbourhoods and discover Hong Kong’s captivating allure as the “Events Capital of Asia.”

(From left to right) Aniko Berman, Director of AOTM Gallery, Dr Peter Lam Kin-ngok, GBM, GBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Tourism Board and Noah Horowitz, CEO of Art Basel

Dr. Peter Lam, HKTB Chairman, said, “Through the ‘Hong Kong Mega 8’ campaign, HKTB has brought together highlighted art and sports mega events and citywide programmes to fully showcase Hong Kong’s strengths as the ‘Events Capital of Asia’. For the first time, HKTB is partnering with Art Basel to bring digital arts into local neighbourhoods. We would like to thank Hongkong Land for its strong support, which allow us to bring world‑class public art to the heart of Central. We will also work with our trade partners in various sectors to launch and promote the city’s diversified travel experiences. Our aim is to maximise the economic benefits of mega events by enhancing the visitor experience, encouraging them to extend their stay in Hong Kong, and creating more business opportunities for the local travel trade and related sectors.”

With the launch of the “Hong Kong Mega 8” campaign, a series of international arts and cultural events will take place across the city. This year, Art Basel Hong Kong will bring its global initiative “Zero 10” from Art Basel Miami Beach to Art Basel Hong Kong for its Asian debut, presenting digital artworks encompassing code-based creations, light and sound. South Korean digital artist DeeKay—highly regarded by global NFT collectors—will showcase his digital artworks in the “Zero 10” sector.

To extend digital art experiences beyond the show floor, HKTB and Art Basel will launch Digital Art @Central ahead of the fair’s opening, bringing an artistic ambience to the neighbourhood. DeeKay’s new digital animation artwork, DeePle the People, will bring digital art from the fair into the urban space of Central. The artwork presents a vibrant, all‑over Hong Kong street scene, with people of different ages, races and occupations weaving through a busy intersection. DeeKay created around 100 individually designed characters, and incorporated elements from the city’s signature mega events—including dragon boat paddlers, jockeys, chefs and performers—bringing a distinctly Hong Kong character to the work. DeeKay said he was thrilled to collaborate with the HKTB, and particularly appreciates presenting digital art in a public space, as it allows the work to reach a broader and more diverse audience. “Beyond the skyline and landmarks, I wanted to reflect the city as a living, moving place shaped by its people, its rhythm, and its cultural vibrancy.” From 24 to 29 March, the artwork will be projected onto the façade of the Hong Kong Club Building from 7 pm to 11 pm daily, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy a worldclass, large-scale public art experience in the centre of the city.

Promoting Local Arts Guides ＆ Community Arts Experiences for In‑Depth Cultural Exploration

HKTB has collaborated with Art Central to launch the digital “Hong Kong Art Month Discovery Guide”. The guide will provide all-in-one travel information and compiles exciting events across the city’s art districts, covering gallery exhibitions, special museum showcases, and performing arts programmes across Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Tai Hang, the Southern District, Tsim Sha Tsui, and the West Kowloon Cultural District and  includes dining recommendations in the vicinity to help visitors plan their cultural journeys and explore arts events in various parts of the city, promoting in-depth cultural tourism. Art Central also offers travel and experience packages featuring accommodation, dining, attractions and transportation, facilitating a smooth arts and cultural journey in Hong Kong for visitors.

In addition to the major art events, various districts across Hong Kong will showcase artistic vibrancy during the period. ArtHouse Tai Hang 2026 is transforming 10 historic houses in Tai Hang into a pop‑up hub of art and local dining, featuring art exhibitions, installations, guided tours, talks and performances. The festival invites both locals and visitors to explore the neighbourhood, enjoying a city-walk style art experience while driving spending at dining and retail establishments in the vicinity.

Furthermore, Hongkong Land will transform the heart of Central into a vibrant cultural journey with Art Walk in Central. Featuring guided tours, performance-led walks, and public art encounters across the district, the programme invites visitors to rediscover iconic sculptures at Hongkong Land Portfolios. At LANDMARK Atrium, talented artist Ayako Rokkaku, who will present her solo debut and largest interactive art installation. The season culminates in a spectacular finale — OPEN and Art on the Move trucks — a dynamic open-air street celebration that will transform Chater Road on 29 March.

WestK’s world-class museums also unveils a series of new exhibitions and events in March, all of which are unmissable. M+ proudly presents Lee Bul: From 1998 to Now (until 9 August 2026), tracing the evolution of pioneering Korean artist Lee Bul’s groundbreaking practice. Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker (until 3 May 2026) offers new perspectives of the career of the celebrated Chinese French master, marking Asia’s first major retrospective of the artist’s graphic works. The Hong Kong Palace Museum celebrates the Year of the Horse in Heavenly Horses: Masterpieces from the Palace Museum (20 March 2026 – 17 March 2027), showcasing the artistic achievement of Chinese horse painting. Presented by WestK Performing Arts, WestK FunFest also returns from 19 March to 12 April 2026 with over 120 family-friendly arts and cultural experiences, including the Asian debut of the large-scale interactive art installation.

Also, a few other events in March that further bring Hong Kong’s vibrant arts scene to life: Art Walk in Central (21st to 4th March 2026) at Central; Art Central 2026 (25–29 March 2026) at Central Harbourfront; and Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 (27–29 March 2026) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Alongside these, visitors can continue to explore Zao Wou-Ki: Master Printmaker at M+, Heavenly Horses: Masterpieces from the Palace Museum at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and enjoy WestK FunFest across the West Kowloon Cultural District, including Art Park, Freespace, and the Xiqu Centre.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing visitors' experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

As Southeast Asia enters its most luminous season, experience a time of reflection, purification and spirited celebration through thoughtfully curated programming across Thailand, Vietnam, Maldives and Cambodia.

Offering blooming landscapes, mild weather, and fewer crowds at major attractions, spring in Europe makes it the most rewarding time to visit.
 

Southeast Asia 
 

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, Thailand
Aman’s newest urban sanctuary, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok, is enveloped by the leafy enclave of Nai Lert Park, offering a tranquil base from which to join in the festivities of the Thai capital’s most cherished celebration, Songkran. From 13-15 April 2026, the hotel invites guests to participate in an array of seasonal experiences spanning traditional alms offerings to floral blessing ceremonies. Guests can also find time for mindful crafting, creating their own jasmine garlands, Thai-inspired potpourri or by learning the stories of herbs and blossoms with the Garden Tea Atelier.

Cultural immersion is offered through Rum Thai dance workshops, Thai-inspired cocktail making and refined set dinners at Arva, while experiences in nature and live music bring Aman festivity to the city’s green heart. For wellness enthusiasts, Muay Thai sessions held throughout the month of April explore Thailand’s renowned martial art as a mindful discipline.

Perfect for families, the hotel’s one-of-a-kind Aman Suite, encompassing the entire 18th floor, offers a residence-style retreat with expansive terraces, multiple bedrooms and sweeping views across Bangkok’s skyline and parkland, creating a private sanctuary in which to celebrate together.

Amanoi, Vietnam
Set within Nui Chua National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve overlooking Vinh Hy Bay, Amanoi offers a coastal sanctuary. From 28 March to 5 April, daily morning wellness classes, Easter-themed afternoon teas, live jazz music and open-air movie nights create a restorative space for rare time together.

Amanoi, Vietnam - Resort, Beach Club

By day, guests can embark on a guided Rock Park trek through forested terrain, sail by catamaran along the dramatic coastline of the East Sea or join a painting masterclass capturing Amanoi’s landscapes. By night, culinary journeys include a Japanese Feast, a vibrant Vietnamese Market-style buffet at the Beach Club and a chocolate and whiskey pairing session. The celebrations culminate on 5 April, with an Easter-themed dinner, where seasonal ingredients and heritage flavours are shared among family and friends.

For those seeking to linger a while longer on Amanoi’s shores, the new Family Residence Escape invites guests to enjoy an expansive private villa with their own infinity pool and dedicated butler on hand to tend to every need. The Family Residence Escape also includes a host of exclusive benefits such as airport transfers, daily breakfast and personalised wellness experiences.

Amansara, Cambodia
Moments from UNESCO-recognised Angkor, the world’s largest temple complex, Amansara offers a serene platform for time-honoured Khmer celebrations in the heart of spiritual Siem Reap. Taking place from 14-16 April 2026, Khmer New Year presents a collection of experiences designed to purify the spirit and show gratitude. From jasmine blessings and Buddha cleansing ceremonies to a festive Khmer New Year Brunch served on the Lawn, experiences encourage convivial gathering for all ages.

Ensuring even the youngest of guests are entertained, traditional Khmer games, including Veay K’aom and Bos Angkunh – echo the community spirit of the city that surrounds, while a lotus folding masterclass explores one of Cambodia’s most celebrated symbols of purity and renewal. An enchanting Apsara Dinner presents a five- course Khmer menu accompanied by classical dance, evoking the artistry of Angkor’s ancient temples, while mindfulness experiences such as craniosacral therapy alongside hands-on culinary and mixology workshops provide space to unleash the creative spirit.
 

Soneva, Maldives 
This year, visit the award-winning Soneva resorts and enjoy the Easter holiday programme entirely at your own pace, with long, easy days in nature, with your family and friends.

They will be hosting a very special Easter Soneva Stars line-up, including England footballer Peter Crouch, adventurer and ocean racer Paris Norris, Wimbledon Champion Jonas Björkman and World #270 padel professional Max Björkman, with more to be announced. Expect personal encounters, hosted activities and memorable moments that bring generations together.

To make Easter even more meaningful, they have created an exclusive Easter Together Offer for families and friends. Enjoy a complimentary upgrade to Half Board dining throughout your stay at select restaurants, along with the choice of a curated group experience - from dolphin cruises and snorkelling adventures to creative workshops - designed to be enjoyed together.

Layan Life by Anantara, Phuket
Set along the quiet shores of Layan Beach, Layan Life by Anantara Phuket introduces a new dimension to spring wellness through immersive, science-led experiences designed to support resilience, recovery and long-term vitality. At the core of its offering is Contrast Therapy: A Longevity Ritual for Recovery, Circulation and Vitality, a structured hydrothermal experience that alternates between heat and cold environments to stimulate circulation, regulate the nervous system and enhance the body’s natural ability to recover from physical and mental stress. Delivered through the LIFE Hydrotherapy Longevity Circuit, guests move through a sequence of warm vitality pools, cold immersion, steam and Himalayan salt sauna, creating a controlled vascular response that supports metabolic function, reduces inflammation and improves overall wellbeing. Complemented by personalized programs and restorative therapies, the experience is framed by the serenity of Phuket’s coastline, offering a refined and deeply restorative approach to longevity that blends modern science with holistic traditions.

Europe
 

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam, Netherlands 
Set at the heart of the city on Dam Square, Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam offers access to one of Europe’s most iconic spring spectacles through the Amidst the Tulips experience, an exclusive Anantara leisure experience curated for its guests, where the Dutch countryside transforms into a vibrant tapestry of color. The journey begins beyond the city in fields in full bloom, where endless rows of tulips stretch across the landscape in vivid bands, with guests guided through the history and cultivation of this national symbol while exploring curated gardens at their seasonal peak. As the experience unfolds, the setting shifts into a moment of quiet indulgence within the fields themselves, where a gourmet picnic is served amidst the blooms, followed by a hand gathered bouquet to take home, creating a sensory and visually rich connection to the Netherlands in its most evocative season.

Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky Amsterdam - Amidst The Tulips - An Anantara Leisure Experience

Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort, Spain
In the sun-drenched hills of Andalusia, Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort offers a spring experience shaped by landscape, seasonality and a deep connection to the land. The Chef’s Tasting Garden unfolds within a secluded corner of the palace grounds, where nature and gastronomy come together in their most immediate form. Led by Executive Chef Manuel Navarro, the experience begins in the garden, where guests harvest ingredients at their seasonal peak before being seated at an intimate table set amidst the greenery. What follows is a seasonal tasting menu created from produce gathered just moments earlier, each dish reflecting a philosophy rooted in simplicity, provenance and craft. Framed by the warmth of the Andalusian spring, the experience is immersive and sensory, offering a return to origins through food that is deeply connected to its surroundings, refined in execution and expressive of place.

• Almost 30% of Airbnb hosts in India are women, with almost 35% of Guest Favourite listings in India hosted by women - showcasing their excellence in hospitality.

• North Goa, Bengaluru, Gurugram, South Goa and Pune were the top-searched domestic destinations for Indian female travelers in 2025.

• Internationally, Dubai, London, Bangkok, Paris and Rome were the top-searched destinations for Indian female travelers in 2025.

• Duo travel emerged as the most popular trip type amongst Indian female travelers, followed by group trips.

This International Women’s Day, Airbnb is celebrating the growing community of women hosts and travellers who are driving hospitality and travel trends across India. Nearly 30% of Airbnb hosts in India are women⁽¹⁾, and they manage almost 35% of Guest Favourite listings⁽²⁾, highlighting their impact in delivering exceptional guest experiences and shaping local tourism.

Embracing this year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, Airbnb recognizes the role women play in strengthening communities through hosting and travel. By sharing their homes, culture and local knowledge, women hosts are creating economic opportunities not only for themselves but also for their communities.

Highlighting Airbnb’s commitment to enabling women entrepreneurs across India, Amanpreet Singh Bajaj, Airbnb’s Country Head for India and Southeast Asia, said, “Women who host are not just building successful businesses, but also strengthening local economies and communities. When women share their homes, skills and stories, they create opportunities not just for themselves, but for others around them. In turn, guests contribute to local livelihoods, helping circulate value deeper into communities. When women thrive, entire communities benefit.”

Beyond hosting, Indian women travelers are also increasingly shaping travel trends on Airbnb. Duo travel followed by small group trips remained the most popular trip type amongst Indian women travelers. In terms of destinations, internationally Dubai, London, Bangkok, Paris, Ubud, Amsterdam, Tokyo and Rome were the most searched destinations for Indian women travelers in 2025. Domestically, North and South Goa, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Jaipur, Gurugram, and Pune District were the most searched destinations.⁽³⁾

Beyond established hotspots, women travellers are increasingly exploring emerging and culturally rich destinations. Dakshina Kannada and Mathura both recorded approximately 50% year-on-year increase in bookings, signalling rising interest in spiritual, heritage and nature-led travel. Internationally, the town of Kazbegi in Georgia recorded an over 100% year-on-year increase in bookings on Airbnb.⁽⁴⁾

This growing momentum toward emerging and off-beat destinations reflects a broader shift among women travellers toward more intentional, experience-led journeys, where travel not only creates personal memories but also supports local communities and smaller tourism ecosystems.

Airbnb has also been working to strengthen this ecosystem through initiatives such as the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy in Goa, the first of its kind in India. The program equips aspiring homestay entrepreneurs with skills in hospitality, business fundamentals and sustainable hosting, with a dedicated focus on empowering women and supporting rural communities. Many of the organizations in India receiving donations from the Airbnb Community Fund this year also work to advance opportunities for women.

Sharing her journey, Babita, a Host in Uttarakhand who upskilled through the Airbnb Entrepreneurship Academy, said, “Before the Airbnb Academy training, we were running a homestay without really knowing how. Airbnb taught us important skills like how to register, how to host, and how to share our culture. It gave me the confidence to grow my small idea into a sustainable livelihood.”

This International Women’s Day, Airbnb continues its commitment to creating more inclusive opportunities for women. Through hosting and travel, women across India are helping build stronger local economies while contributing to a more diverse and resilient tourism landscape.

About Airbnb

Airbnb was born in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home, and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed over 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

⁽¹⁾ Based on Airbnb internal data for 2025, for Indian hosts self-identified as women.

⁽²⁾ Based on Airbnb internal data of Guest Favourite listings in India, for hosts self-identified as women.

⁽³⁾ Based on Airbnb internal search data for Indian guests self-identified as women in 2025.

⁽⁴⁾ Based on Airbnb internal booking data on top domestic and international destinations for Indian women travellers in 2025.

Switrus Holidays Honoured by Jungfrau Railways for Serving 3000+ Travellers

The achievement makes Switrus one of the highest-contributing Indian tour operators to Switzerland’s iconic alpine tourism sector and has earned the company formal recognition as an Official Partner for promoting Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe, one of Europe’s most visited mountain destinations.

A Record Year for Indian Tourism to Switzerland

Within just the first year of collaboration, Switrus successfully operated large-scale Europe group tours, sending more than 3,000 Indian tourists to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe.

This milestone highlights the rapidly growing demand for Switzerland tour packages from India and reinforces India’s importance as a key source market for Swiss tourism.

Europe-Only Specialist with Weekly Departures to EUROPE

Founded in India in 2013, Switrus Holidays has built its brand exclusively around Europe group tours. The company is currently operating weekly scheduled Europe departures from India, reflecting operational scale, structured planning, and destination specialization.

Unlike general outbound travel companies offering multiple global destinations, Switrus focuses solely on Europe, positioning itself as a dedicated Europe tour operator from India.

Strengthened Presence with Germany Office

As part of its international expansion strategy, the company has established Switrus Holidays GmbH in Germany to strengthen its European base operations.

The Germany presence enables:

• Direct coordination with European suppliers

• Improved service standards

• Better pricing control

• Stronger on-ground support for Indian travellers

This operational structure provides Switrus with a strategic advantage in managing large-scale Switzerland and Europe group tours.

Strengthening India–Switzerland Tourism Relations

The recognition from Jungfrau Railways reflects India’s growing contribution to Swiss tourism and marks a defining moment for Indian outbound travel brands expanding their global footprint.

With over 13 years of experience and a rapidly expanding pan-India presence with offices in Delhi, Maharashtra , Gujarat, West Bengal, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Kerala,   Switrus Holidays continues to play a significant role in driving Indian tourism to Europe.

Airbnb today announced the latest recipients of Airbnb Community Fund donations, including eight nonprofit organizations across India that are driving meaningful change across communities.

Photos courtesy of FIDR, Aasman Foundation & ACCESS

Launched in 2020, the Airbnb Community Fund is a $100 million USD initiative designed to support local communities and the people who live there. This year, Airbnb donated nearly $10 million USD to nonprofits globally, supporting organizations working to strengthen communities around the world.

Airbnb hosts are deeply connected to their communities, and each year we proudly partner with the host community to identify important issues and many of the nonprofit organizations that will receive donations. Globally, Host Advisory Board members helped select economic empowerment, sustainable and rural tourism, environmental sustainability, and ending abuse and exploitation as focus areas for this year’s donations. They also reviewed nominations in their regions, bringing host perspective to every decision.

Amanpreet Bajaj, Country Head, Airbnb India and Southeast Asia, said, “Community is at the heart of everything we do at Airbnb. Through the Airbnb Community Fund, we are proud to support organizations across India that are creating sustainable opportunity and building resilience at the grassroots level. These nonprofits are addressing some of the most critical challenges facing local communities today from livelihoods and education, to sustainability and protection for vulnerable groups, and we are honored to support their work alongside our host community.”

Airbnb Community Fund Recipients in India

The nonprofit organizations receiving donations in India are:

• Goonj, supporting community-led development and empowering livelihoods with dignity across urban and rural India.

• Forum for Integrated Development and Research, empowering rural and marginalized communities in Goa through sustainable livelihood and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.

• Access Development Services, supporting female entrepreneurs’ incomes through community-based tourism programs including homestays and craft enterprises, as well as promoting support for women's entrepreneurship.

• Keystone Foundation, working with Indigenous and marginalized communities to build sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and craft-based micro-enterprises .

• Stree Mukti Snaghatana, advancing gender justice for female waste pickers through education, promoting mental health, and supporting women facing violence.

• Aasman Foundation, enabling students from underserved communities to transition successfully into higher education and skill pathways.

• Protsahan India Foundation, supporting adolescent girls impacted by violence and exploitation through trauma-informed care, rehabilitation, and education.

• Navgurukul Foundation for Social Welfare, offering affordable, high-quality education and holistic support to at-risk youth.

Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services, said, “Airbnb’s support will help expand women’s entrepreneurship and community-based tourism initiatives, helping us mentor women from low-income households to strengthen decision-making, build sustainable livelihoods rooted in their local contexts, and expand their incomes.”

Siddhant Vernekar, Director, Forum for Integrated Development and Research, “With growing interest in Goa’s hinterlands as tourism destinations, we aim to nurture tourism-linked enterprises that can meaningfully contribute to local economic growth, while also protecting their natural surroundings. By acting early and investing in people, not just projects, we envision a new generation of rural leaders — especially women from Goa’s rural and tribal regions — who will lead the holistic development of their villages where livelihood and sustainability thrive together.”

Anshu Gupta, Founder, Goonj, shared, “This support recognises the power of communities to shape their own futures, with dignity and local wisdom at the center. It will go a long way to sustain and strengthen our work building deeper connections and respect between urban and rural communities across India.”

The Airbnb Community Fund in action
To date, more than 640 organizations in nearly 70 countries have benefited from the Airbnb Community Fund, with hosts providing input each year. To learn more about the Airbnb Community Fund and this year’s recipients, please visit the Airbnb Community Fund website.

The 2025-2026 Airbnb Community Fund donations will be distributed from November 2025 through March 2026. Airbnb works with grantmaking partners including Goodstack to support due diligence and facilitate payment to many non-profit recipients.

About Airbnb
Airbnb was born in 2007 when two Hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home and has since grown to over 5 million hosts who have welcomed 2 billion guest arrivals in almost every country across the globe. Every day, hosts offer unique stays and experiences that make it possible for guests to connect with communities in a more authentic way.

Tourism Malaysia booth inaugurated by Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India along with Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman - Tourism Malaysia, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia - Delhi and Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director

The Malaysian delegation is led by YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia and comprises 55 Malaysian tourism industry players including representatives from hotels, travel agencies, tourism product operators and state tourism agencies. The delegation’s presence is further enhanced by Batik Air which serves as the Official Airline Partner.

Malaysian dignitaries with Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman - Tourism Malaysia, Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia - Delhi and Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director

Commenting on Malaysia’s participation, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy said that SATTE serves as a strategic platform to strengthen engagement with key Indian travel trade partners while enhancing Malaysia’s visibility as a preferred travel destination. He noted that the event provides a valuable opportunity to introduce curated travel experiences tailored to the evolving preferences of Indian travellers particularly within the leisure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and wedding segments.

Tourism Malaysia booth at SATTE 2026 with 55 Malaysian suppliers

In line with evolving market trends, Tourism Malaysia is placing strong emphasis on the MICE and wedding segments, positioning Malaysia as a premier destination for corporate events and grand Indian weddings. To support this strategic focus, Tourism Malaysia is organising two dedicated programmes in conjunction with SATTE 2026, a MICE Seminar and a Wedding Seminar. These sessions are designed to engage corporate stakeholders and Indian wedding planners by showcasing Malaysia’s world-class venues, seamless connectivity, rich cultural diversity and competitive value offerings.

Reflecting the positive momentum of this market, Malaysia recorded its highest achievement in Indian visitor arrivals in 2025, welcoming 1.6 million visitors. This marks a 14.6 per cent increase compared to the previous year. Coupled with strong air connectivity of more than 240 flights per week between India and Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia is now focused on further accelerating this upward trend during the ongoing Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign. Building on this encouraging performance, Tourism Malaysia’s participation at SATTE 2026 follows its recent impactful presence at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) Mumbai, as well as a subsequent Sales Mission to Visakhapatnam, Coimbatore and Bangalore from 5 to 14 February 2026. These initiatives have further strengthened Malaysia’s visibility and engagement across key Indian cities.

As part of its forward-looking strategy, Tourism Malaysia’s continued presence at SATTE underscores a long-term commitment to unlocking the vast potential of the Indian market, particularly in North India. In conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, Tourism Malaysia is actively promoting a comprehensive Calendar of Events featuring more than 300 festivals and activities nationwide. This extensive programme provides valuable opportunities for travel partners to develop distinctive, curated packages tailored to a wide range of traveller interests. These offerings span a diverse spectrum, from luxury retreats and island holidays to cultural immersions, theme park experiences and bespoke wedding celebrations.

Overall, this sustained engagement in India reflects Tourism Malaysia’s proactive approach to strengthening networking between Malaysian industry players and Indian partners, expanding business opportunities and driving continued growth in Indian visitor arrivals throughout the VM2026 campaign.

About Tourism Malaysia
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

L to R: Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman - Tourism Malaysia, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia-Delhi

The press conference was addressed by YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, alongside Dato' Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, in the presence of leading travel trade partners, airline representatives, tourism stakeholders, and media.

Malaysian cultural dance

The engagement comes at a significant time as Malaysia accelerates its global outreach under Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026).

Strong Performance and Market Momentum
Malaysia recorded 42.2 million international visitor arrivals in 2025, reflecting an 14.6% growth over 2024. India remains one of Malaysia’s most dynamic source markets, contributing over 1.6 million visitors in 2025, demonstrating sustained demand and market confidence.

L to R: Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman-Tourism Malaysia, Dato Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, Ahmad Johanif Mohd Ali, Director, Tourism Malaysia-Delhi

Speaking at the press conference, YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, said “India continues to play a pivotal role in Malaysia’s international tourism strategy. The robust growth in Indian arrivals reflects the strong bilateral ties and growing consumer confidence in Malaysia as a safe, diverse and high-value destination. As we move closer to Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we are intensifying strategic collaborations with our Indian partners to drive sustainable and high-yield tourism growth.”

Highlighting ground-level engagement and trade partnerships, Dato' Muzafar Shah Mustafa, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India added “The Indian market has shown remarkable resilience and enthusiasm for Malaysia across leisure, MICE, weddings and premium travel segments. With expanded air connectivity, continued visa-free entry for Indian nationals, and strong industry partnerships, we are confident of achieving even stronger growth in 2026. Our focus remains on delivering quality experiences while strengthening trade collaboration across Tier I, II and III cities.”

Enhanced Connectivity and Accessibility
With more than 240 weekly flights operating between India and Malaysia, coupled with the continuation of visa-free entry for Indian nationals, travel accessibility remains robust and supportive of further growth under the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

Strategic Engagement Events on 24 February 2026
As part of its intensive market outreach on 24 February 2026, Tourism Malaysia is organizing three dedicated engagement events in New Delhi ahead of SATTE 2026:

Wedding Seminar – Positioning Malaysia as a premier destination for grand Indian weddings, highlighting luxury venues, culturally adaptable services, seamless logistics and competitive value offerings.

MICE B2B Session – Facilitating direct business engagements between Malaysian industry players and Indian corporate planners and event organizers, showcasing Malaysia’s capabilities in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE).

Malaysia Networking Dinner 2026 – An exclusive evening bringing together leading travel trade partners, airline representatives, wedding planners, corporate stakeholders and media to strengthen bilateral cooperation, foster new partnerships and build sustained momentum towards VM2026.

For more information on Malaysia’s tourism offerings, visit www.malaysia.travel.

About Tourism Malaysia
Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, also known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and has, since its establishment, played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.

Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders.

For more information, visit Tourism Malaysia’s website at www.tourism.gov.my and social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and TikTok.

SuryaKumar Yadav, Brand Ambassador, Skyscanner

With India entering the tournament as defending champions under Indian Men’s T20 captain and Skyscanner Brand Ambassador, Suryakumar Yadav, fans are not just watching from home, they are travelling to be part of the atmosphere. In the weeks leading up to the tournament, Skyscanner recorded an increase in searches to host cities, particularly in January, reflecting growing momentum as the first ball approaches.

Reflecting on the role fans play, Suryakumar Yadav said “I still go back to that catch from the 2024 final - not just for the moment, but for the roar. I think about the fans who travelled across the world just to be our heartbeat in the stands. In India, cricket isn’t just a game, it’s how we live. This World Cup takes us across seven beautiful cities, starting from my home ground at Wankhede, and I know that no matter where we play, the fans will always be there to cheer us on. When the journey is taken care of, you’re free to just lose yourself in the game. I can’t wait to hear that roar from the stands again.”

From Fixture List to Flight Search
Fixtures for the tournament were announced on 25 November 2025, triggering an immediate rise in travel planning. Skyscanner tracked flight searches with travel dates between 7 February and 8 March, covering the full tournament window across India and Sri Lanka.

Overall, India-related searches to host cities started in November, rising throughout the following months, eventually peaking in January. Search volume during week of 19 January went up to 63% higher than the week before. During the most recent week of 26 January, Skyscanner saw search volume reached the highest so far for the travel period during the T20 match period, 35% higher than the week of 19 January. While search demand could be due to various reasons, this is a strong indication of mounting interest from both Indian travellers planning domestic trips and international travellers searching for travel to India for the World Cup period.

Search interest for international host cities Colombo and Pallekele (Kandy) began building earlier, with momentum picking up from November 2025 and peaking through December and January, suggesting that fans planning cross-border travel are booking further in advance compared to domestic trips, driven by visa considerations, flight availability and longer travel lead times.

The travel demand seems to also align with the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan match on 15 February in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Searches for outbound travel to Colombo around the match weekend grew by 9% during the week of 8 December, compared to the previous week, making it a possible travel trigger of the tournament so far.

Neel Ghose, Destination and Travel Trends Expert, Skyscanner India, added, “We’re seeing cricket play a growing role in travel planning. Fans are aligning trips with key fixtures, from domestic flights between Indian cities to cross-border travel for major matches. The World Cup highlights how large-scale sporting events are influencing both the timing and purpose of travel among Indian travellers.”

Skyscanner expects search interest to remain strong throughout the tournament, particularly around knockout-stage matches and potential India fixture, underlining how cricket in India continues to translate directly into high-intent, travel-led behaviour.

About Skyscanner  
Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.

Rishabh Gupta, Amit Dhall & Deepanshu Rustagi identified a gap in one way and outstation mobility & founded CabBazar

CabBazar’s growth story mirrors the evolution of intercity travel in India itself. What began as an attempt to simplify outstation cab bookings has now become a full-stack mobility platform catering to metros, Tier-2 cities, and a vast network of Tier-3 towns that are often underserved by large ride-hailing players.

Outstation Taxi matlab CabBazar

YouTube link: youtu.be/NbJQaDxqgPM?si=3QoUQt7GXhXX3Zj9

Pioneering True One-Way Intercity Cabs

One of CabBazar’s most defining contributions to the industry has been the introduction of true one-way intercity cab pricing in India. At a time when travelers were forced to pay for return journeys even when they didn’t need them, CabBazar challenged the norm by allowing customers to pay only for the distance they actually travel.

Another shift shaping intercity mobility is the changing attitude of Gen Z toward ownership. Increasingly, younger travelers are prioritising experiences over assets, choosing flexibility and freedom instead of long-term commitments such as owning a car. One way pricing perfectly suits such travellers best.

This model not only reduced costs for travelers but also set a new industry benchmark. Over the years, one-way intercity cabs have moved from being a niche offering to an expected feature, a shift that CabBazar was instrumental in driving.

Taking this a step further, the platform now enables one-way, multi-city travel, allowing customers to stop at multiple destinations on a single one-way trip. This flexibility has found strong traction among business travelers, families, and long-distance tourists who prefer customized routes over rigid point-to-point travel.

Transparency Over Surprises: The Rise of All-Inclusive Pricing

Pricing transparency remains a key decision factor in India’s highly price-sensitive travel market. CabBazar offers both tax-inclusive and tax-exclusive pricing, giving users control over how they want to plan their expenses.

Interestingly, internal data shows that nearly 5 out of 10 customers now opt for all-inclusive pricing, preferring a single, upfront fare that covers tolls, taxes, and driver charges. The appeal is simple: no last-minute costs, no confusion, and no uncomfortable conversations at the end of a journey.

This shift reflects a broader consumer trend across India’s digital economy, where predictability and clarity increasingly outweigh marginal price differences.

Speed, Scale, and Reliability

In an era of instant gratification, CabBazar has optimized its platform for speed and simplicity. From selecting cities to completing checkout, a cab can be booked in under 30 seconds, making it one of the fastest booking flows in the intercity segment.

Operationally, the company handles 800 to 1,000 rides daily, supported by a large network of verified driver partners. While many mobility platforms remain metro-centric, CabBazar’s strongest presence lies beyond India’s largest cities. Its deep penetration into Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations aligns with industry estimates that a significant share of India’s next phase of travel demand will come from non-metro regions.

Value-Added Services for Real-World Travel Needs

Beyond pricing and availability, CabBazar has focused on solving everyday travel pain points. Services such as assured luggage carriers and pet friendly options ensure that customers travelling with extra baggage or with their furry family are not left guessing about vehicle suitability or extra baggage.

Coupled with a lowest price guarantee, these features have helped CabBazar build trust among repeat users who often compare multiple platforms before booking.

Building from a Tier-2 City, Creating Inclusive Employment

While many startups centralize operations in metros, CabBazar’s primary operational office is located in a Tier-2 city in Uttar Pradesh. This decision has enabled the company to generate meaningful employment outside traditional startup hubs.

Notably, 50% of CabBazar’s workforce comprises women, with a 24×7 customer support team operating from our support office. The company has actively invested in creating a safe, inclusive, and professional work environment, demonstrating how tech-enabled businesses can decentralize opportunity without compromising service quality.

A Bootstrapped, Profitable Growth Story

CabBazar’s journey has been defined by experimentation and resilience. Over the years, the company tested multiple business models before refining its focus on intercity and outstation mobility. Today, it stands as a bootstrapped and profitable enterprise, with profits growing year on year which is a rarity in a sector often driven by heavy discounting and cash burn.

According to Rishabh Gupta, Founder, CabBazar, “India is a price-sensitive market, and it's important to deliver genuine value, not just discounts. Every service we build is designed around how India travels today, focusing on transparency, flexibility, and expanding reliable last-mile connectivity across the country.”

Co-founder Amit Dhall adds, “Being profitable has allowed us to grow sustainably, invest in our people, and build features that genuinely improve the travel experience, especially for users outside metro cities.”

Looking Ahead: Connecting Drivers and Demand More Efficiently

As part of its next phase of growth, CabBazar is working on a B2B marketplace initiative aimed for travel agents, tour companies, drivers, and fleet owners to work together.

CabBazar has over 2.5 Lakh fleet partners and identified a pressing gap of unorganised communication and networking on Whatsapp. TaxiMarket, as a SaaS platform, helps drivers forward a taxi requirement they can’t fulfill and earn commission, in exchange for a small fee.

Hong Kong’s longstanding reputation as one of the world’s great food cities has been built on contrast — a destination where humble street stalls sit comfortably alongside polished Michelin-starred dining rooms, and where “Great Taste” can be found everywhere in Hong Kong. This season, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) celebrates the city’s rich culinary culture with the launch of Taste Hong Kong, a new gourmet guide developed in collaboration with the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) that invites visitors to experience the city through the eyes — and appetites — of its master chefs.

Taste Hong Kong launches a chef-curated guide spotlighting street eats and Michelin-starred dining experiences

Taste Hong Kong is a chef-curated culinary guide to the city’s diverse neighbourhoods. More than 50 master chefs — all graduates of CCI’s prestigious Master Chef Course in Chinese Cuisine — have collectively handpicked 250 restaurants throughout Hong Kong, shining a spotlight on the places they return to time and again. The guide offers a comprehensive and refined overview of the city’s culinary landscape, highlighting a rich tapestry of Chinese cuisines alongside an array of international flavours, from traditional noodle shops and classic dessert parlours to family run local gems, artisanal cafés, upscale hotel restaurants, and Michelin-starred fine dining destinations. Going beyond conventional rankings and accolades, the guide provides an authoritative, insider perspective on the city’s most authentic and distinctive gastronomic experiences.

At the heart of Taste Hong Kong are the chefs themselves. As the creative minds behind some of Hong Kong’s most celebrated dining rooms, they bring a rare perspective on what defines a great meal — and what makes a restaurant endure. Among them are acclaimed figures such as Adam Wong and Lee Man-sing, who have each contributed personal recommendations that reflect both their culinary roots and their deep connection to Hong Kong’s dining culture.

“When I think about Hong Kong food, I think about the neighbourhood places I always go back to — dai pai dongs, cha chaan tengs and small restaurants that define the city’s everyday dining culture. These spots reflect how locals really eat and the city’s culinary soul. I am excited to be part of this guide because it gives visitors a genuine way to experience Hong Kong through the food and neighbourhoods that locals know and love,” says Adam Wong, a 3-star Michelin Executive Chef at the Forum Restaurant.

“I have always believed that some of Hong Kong’s best food is found in the simplest settings, whether it’s a comforting bowl of noodles or hot pot shared with friends. The restaurants highlighted in Taste Hong Kong are places with history, consistency and heart. They show why Hong Kong is one of the world’s most exciting cities to eat in,” says Lee Man-sing, Executive Chef of Mott 32 Group.

Designed for both visitors and locals, Taste Hong Kong organises its 250 restaurant picks by neighbourhood. With various neighbourhoods represented, travellers are encouraged to venture beyond well-trodden dining districts and experience the distinctive character of each area. From sizzling woks in bustling street kitchens to quiet neighbourhood favourites passed down through generations, the chefs’ selections offer visitors and locals a deeper insight into Hong Kong’s rich culinary heritage and vibrant diversity, guiding them to the true “Great Taste” of the city.

The guide is supported by a rich suite of digital content, including neighbourhood videos and curated maps, hosted on the campaign’s dedicated website. A downloadable digital edition of the Taste Hong Kong guide will also be available, serving as an easy-to-use companion for planning meals and neighbourhood discovery. QR codes will be displayed at various MTR stations, bus shelters and visitor signage across neighbourhoods. HKTB will also broadcast the “Taste Hong Kong” promotional video at major tourist hotspots, and prominent shopping malls and hotels across the city, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global gourmet capital where exceptional food can be found everywhere — often in the most unexpected places.

To discover the full Taste of Hong Kong guide and begin your culinary adventure, visit tastehk.discoverhongkong.com. Download the digital guide, watch the neighbourhood videos and join the conversation using #TasteHongKong to discover the authentic flavours that define Hong Kong, one neighbourhood at a time.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing visitors' experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

The Postcard on the Mandovi River, North Goa

Mr. Kapil Chopra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Postcard Hotel, says, “We invite guests to rediscover the destination like never before at The Postcard on the Mandovi River. Set in an iconic location in the heart of North Goa, the hotel encourages a genuine connection to nature while remaining immersed in the region’s history, culture, and unmistakable Goan energy. From uninterrupted views of the majestic Mandovi River and the hotel’s understated design, to the freshest local flavours and thoughtfully curated experiences by our team, every detail is rooted in place. Enhancing the sense of exclusivity, a private jetty offers all guests seamless access to the river. At this brand-new retreat, every element reflects The Postcard Hotel’s exacting standards, offering space to disconnect and settle into a stay defined by privacy, calm, and unhurried time.”

Perched along the serene banks of the Mandovi River, and framed by nature and open skies – the hotel offers an unparalleled slow holiday experience with the timeless beauty of its surroundings. With just 18 thoughtfully designed rooms featuring expansive windows and open private balconies, guests are treated to uninterrupted views of the river. From the soft glow of sunrise to the golden hues of dusk, the Mandovi’s soothing presence lets guests pause, reflect, and immerse themselves in the gentle rhythm of riverside living. The understated elegance in design, intuitive service, and a deep connection to the place come together – to showcase The Postcard Hotel’s signature approach to experiential luxury at the hotel.  

Adding another dimension to the stay is the wellness experience that begins with the tranquil riverside location that offers a sense of peace. Further, the hotel’s discreet spa has a range of rejuvenating treatments like indulgent facials and scrubs, for a therapeutic escape within the hotel’s peaceful surroundings.

At The Postcard on the Mandovi River, dining is a celebration of the region’s freshest flavours and local ingredients. Here, thoughtfully prepared dishes highlight the richness of Goan cuisine and more, and can be enjoyed with garden views from the restaurant. The stunning rooftop bar elevates the experience a level further. It is an ideal setting for guests to unwind with handcrafted cocktails with breathtaking views of the Mandovi and the soft breeze that drifts from the river.

Journeys at the hotel are further enriched by leisurely riverside walks to immersive guided excursions in Old Goa, where historic churches, local markets, and everyday sights offer an authentic sense of place. One can choose to explore the charming Divar Island or Panjim through a curated art saunter, head to Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary or walk through the region’s UNESCO-listed monuments, and beyond.

With each new opening as iconic as the existing properties, The Postcard Hotel forges ahead to firmly anchor its position as the leader in experiential luxury hospitality. Set along the tranquil banks of Mandovi River, this newest retreat is a testament to the brand’s philosophy and its team’s unwavering spirit – that encourage travellers to experience a brand-new way to holiday in Goa.

About The Postcard Hotel

Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel – a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world.

Today, The Postcard Hotel’s growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its five retreats – North Goa, Old Goa, Saligao, Cuelim, and Hideaway – capture the region’s charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting. Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka – each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance.

For more brand and hotel information, please visit the website and Instagram handles @thepostcardhotel @thepostcardonthemandoviriver

Dorsett Kai Tak, Hong Kong invites travellers to personalize their Hong Kong stay with the Dorsett 3 Wishes Room Package. Guests can enjoy up to 25% savings on a two‑night stay while choosing THREE perks from a list of nine, tailored to their travel purpose—whether for leisure or business—combining modern luxury with authentic local experiences.

 

Personalizing The Hong Kong Stay Experience With Dorsett Kai Tak's '3 Wishes' Package

Stays Tailored for Every Kind of Traveller

For families and leisure travellers: enjoy local snacks vouchers from Kowloon City's "Little Thailand"—with treats like egg waffles, pandan buns, or mango‑longan‑coconut dessert—plus options such as complimentary breakfast, room upgrade or a free Octopus card for easy city travel.

For business travellers: choose perks like an Airport Express ticket to Kowloon Station, complimentary suit pressing, or a local data SIM card to stay connected.

Dorsett Kai Tak sits beside the iconic Kai Tak Sports Park, home to world-class concerts and international sporting events. Guests enjoy exclusive walkway access to the Main Stadium and Kai Tak malls. Complimentary shuttle service to AIRSIDE mega mall and Kai Tak MTR ensures easy shopping and city exploration.

Leisure travellers can explore Kowloon Walled City Park for a glimpse of the city's past or visit the former Kai Tak Airport site for aviation history. Foodies may wander through Kowloon City for Southeast Asian flavours or enjoy traditional Chiu Chow cuisine.

Featuring 373 contemporary rooms, including family-friendly triples, quads, connecting rooms, and balcony suites — ideal for groups of friends or families. Dining options include Jin Bo Law Skybar, Kai Fuk Lau, and Siete Ocho.

Book direct on the official Dorsett Kai Tak website to enjoy a personalized and authentic Hong Kong journey.

About Dorsett Kai Tak, Hong Kong

This flagship property of Dorsett Hospitality International offers a modern five‑star stay in Hong Kong's historic Kai Tak district. Conveniently located near Kai Tak Sports Park, the hotel provides exclusive stadium access and a complimentary shuttle to AIRSIDE and Kai Tak MTR.

Guests can choose from 373 stylish rooms and suites—including family-friendly options and the Presidential Pool Suite—and enjoy an infinity pool, 24-hour gym, Jin Bo Law Skybar, and dining at Kai Fuk Lau and Siete Ocho.

Neel Ghose, Skyscanner Travel Trends and Destinations Expert, highlights how Indians are planning their travel ahead

At an event hosted in Delhi, Skyscanner shared these insights and explored how Indians are prioritising and planning their trips for the year ahead. Speaking at the event, Neel Ghose, Travel Trends & Destinations Expert, Skyscanner, said, “January is a peak moment in the travel cycle. We’re already seeing searches in the first week of January 2026 up 25% compared to the same period in 2025 (1) - highest volume recorded since 2024 - signalling that Indians are heading into the year with renewed intent for travel planning in January. Travellers are keen to explore in the year ahead – 89% say they’re open to alternative or lesser-known holiday destinations, while 77% plan to splurge on a luxury hotel stay on the final night of their holiday, yet they’re navigating post-year fatigue, rising cost perceptions and an overwhelming number of choices. The real opportunity, in January, is to replace that anxiety with clarity, which is why we’ve introduced our new Cheapest Destination Planner to help travellers instantly compare options by month, see the cheapest destinations to fly to, and plan with greater confidence and value.”

2026 Travel Planning Trends:

• Early Planning Momentum: January has become a clear planning inflection point for Indian travellers, with 73% mapping out trips at the start of the year. Driven by an emotional need to slow down, 67% plan holidays in January specifically to recharge, and create breathing space after an intense year.

• Lifestyle Trade-Off & Compromises: 49% Indian travellers say they’ve made personal financial sacrifices, from skipping meals out to forgoing haircuts, to make their last holiday possible. When saving for trips, 46% are even willing to skip buying new clothes, while 32% are open to cutting back on socialising with friends.

• High Travel Intent, Higher Overwhelm: Many Indian travellers haven’t confirmed their 2026 trips yet simply because they’re overwhelmed: 46% are worried about costs, 45% are struggling when to travel, and 40% are unsure where to go.

Skyscanner Launches NEW Cheapest Destination Planner

The research also found that 50% Indian travellers say they would be more likely to book their holidays in January if they simply had clarity on the cheapest destinations and the cheapest day to fly. To help travellers compare options effortlessly and book with confidence, Skyscanner has launched its NEW Cheapest Destination Planner, designed to cut through the stress of decision-making, allowing travellers to select their preferred month and instantly see the cheapest destinations to fly to, alongside average flight prices and the cheapest day to travel.

How does the Cheapest Destination Planner work?

1. Simply select the month you want to travel

2. The tool will reveal the top 10 cheapest destinations (on average) for that month- you’ll see the top reasons to visit and average price for a return flight alongside the cheapest days to travel

3. Made your choice?  You can click through to explore flights and/or hotel options for your chosen destination

Skyscanner’s NEW Cheapest Destination Planner

Sharing his own travel habits, Suryakumar ‘SKY’ Yadav, Skyscanner Brand Ambassador, said, “With a packed schedule, finding time to plan travel isn’t always easy, and I know that’s true for a lot of Indians. That’s why smart solutions really matter. For me, it’s about travelling efficiently so you can enjoy the moments that help you truly switch off, making sure the trip actually feels worth it. Skyscanner’s new Cheapest Destination Planner makes those decisions simpler and quicker, so you spend less time worrying and more time looking forward to the trip. It makes it much easier for people to discover great-value destinations!"

Busting Myths & Taking The Stress Out of Planning

• Skyscanner’s analysis also revealed that, on average, Wednesday is the cheapest day to fly in 2026: a fact that is surprising to many, given that only around three in ten correctly identified midweek travel as the most cost-effective.

• While 67% anticipate flight costs exceeding INR 30,000 for their main 2026 holiday, Skyscanner has analysed millions of flight prices to identify the Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for Indian Travellers in 2026, with average return fares starting from only under INR 10,000, proving that great trips don’t have to come with a hefty price tag. (Refer to appendix for the complete list).

More Smart Ways for Indians To Save On 2026 Travel

• Drops: In-app feature that checks flight prices and reveals anomaly price drops of at least 20% for real bargains! 

• ‘Everywhere’ search: The all-time favourite – find the cheapest flights to anywhere in the world. 

• Price Alerts and Saved: Still in decision making mode?  Save your routes and keep track of the flight fluctuations.

Appendix

The Top 10 Cheapest Destinations for 2026: 

Notes to Editors

*Skyscanner research conducted with OnePoll in November 2026 with 2,000 respondents in India.

**Return economy flights booked on Skyscanner between 1 January 2025 and 31 October 2025 for travel between 1 January 2026 and 31 December 2026.

About Skyscanner 

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options. 

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.

(1) Skyscanner search data for flights originating from India, comparing searches made between 1 - 7 January, 2026 with the same period 1 - 7 January, 2025. Percentage reflects year-on-year growth in search volume.

\International travel, lifestyle, and accessories brand TUMI celebrates the Year of the Horse with its 2026 Lunar New Year Collection. In the lunar zodiac, the Horse symbolizes momentum and a drive to explore new horizons. TUMI's limited-edition collection captures that feeling, honoring the strength, optimism, and spirited energy of the Horse.
 

Entering the Year of the Horse with momentum, strength, and purpose

Blending innovation with craftsmanship, the capsule reimagines iconic silhouettes from the Alpha Bravo, Voyageur, and Belden collections with equestrian-inspired details.

"The Horse represents movement, freedom, and an unwavering pursuit of what's next — all qualities that deeply resonate with how we design at TUMI," says Victor Sanz, TUMI's Global Creative Director. "For this collection, we incorporated equestrian elements in a thoughtful way to create pieces that carry intention into the new year."

Designed for lives in constant motion, Alpha Bravo styles channel the Horse's dynamic spirit and confident energy. The Navigation Backpack, Search Backpack, Retreat Tote, Compass Flap Crossbody, and Platoon Sling are updated with embossed horse motifs, bridle-inspired trim, and contrast stitching. Whether used for day-to-day travel or longer itineraries, each style upholds the premium functionality that the Alpha Bravo collection is known for.

(Left to right: Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack, Alpha Bravo Platoon Sling, Voyageur Q Tote, Voyageur Celina Backpack, Belden ID Card Lanyard)

Bestselling Voyageur silhouettes—including the Adela Crossbody, Celina Backpack, Halsey Backpack, and Pouch—return this season, joined by the relaunched Q Tote. Each is crafted from our signature lightweight, durable nylon and features bridle-inspired accents and equine details. Select styles include a collectable lucky horseshoe coin, while backpacks and totes also feature a horse-embossed card case.

The Year of the Horse capsule continues TUMI's tradition of celebrating cultural moments through high-performance design. Perfect for gifting, the collection invites us to step into the new year with optimism and good fortune. The 2026 Lunar New Year Collection is available now at TUMI stores worldwide and online at TUMI.com.

About TUMI

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we're committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions.

For more about TUMI, visit TUMI.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

TUMI and TUMI logo are registered trademarks of Tumi, Inc. © 2026 Tumi, Inc.

Agoda reveals India’s most affordable year-end flight routes for holiday travellers

The Christmas and New Year's holiday season is one of the most significant travel periods of the year. With schools on break and many workplaces offering extended holidays, travelers seize the opportunity to embark on journeys, whether to reunite with family, explore new destinations, or simply unwind and spend quality time with loved ones. This convergence of cultural celebrations and vacation time off makes it one of the busiest and most cherished travel periods of the year, and for many travelers, it’s more important than ever to find the best deals to maximize the holiday experience.

For those traveling domestically, India’s Guwahati–Agartala (INR 1,300) route ranked as the third most affordable in Asia, following Thailand’s Udon Thani-Bangkok (INR 536) in first place, and South Korea’s Jeju-Seoul and Malaysia’s Bario-Miri routes (INR 805) tying for second place. Completing the ranks for the most economical domestic flights across Asian countries during the end-of-year period were India (INR 1,300), Indonesia (INR 1,600), Vietnam (INR 2,000), Japan (INR 2,200), and Taiwan (INR 4,000). These insights highlight the most affordable intra-country routes across Asia, helping travelers identify options that allow them to celebrate the festive season without overspending. 

For those traveling abroad from India, the Ahmedabad–Bangkok route, with fares starting at just INR 6,500, makes an excellent choice for those eager to experience Bangkok's vibrant holiday atmosphere, when the city comes alive with dazzling lights, festive markets, and cultural celebrations. 

Across the region, Agoda’s data showed that the cheapest international flights in Asia were found in Malaysia and Indonesia, with fares such as Johor Bahru–Phuket and Pontianak–Kuching available at INR 2,200. These routes offer easy escapes to sunny islands and lush natural landscapes during the holiday season. Thailand followed closely, with flights from Krabi to Kuala Lumpur starting at INR 2,500. Rounding out the list of the most affordable intra-Asia international routes were South Korea (INR 2,800), Japan (INR 3,500), Taiwan (INR 4,100), Vietnam (INR 4,100), and India (INR 6,500).

Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “Christmas and New Year are among the busiest travel periods for Indian holidaymakers, and finding value during this time can make all the difference. Our trends show that with the right route selection, travelers can still enjoy meaningful savings even in peak season. At Agoda, we’re focused on making these options easy to discover, helping travelers enjoy the festive holidays without overspending.”

With over 130,000 flight routes, more than 6 million holiday properties, and over 300,000 activities, Agoda ensures travelers can seamlessly combine their bookings in one convenient platform for a memorable holiday experience. Discover the best deals on Agoda's mobile app and visit Agoda.com to plan the perfect festive getaway.

About Agoda
Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of 6 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 7,000 staff in 27 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.

For more information, visit www.agoda.com
 

About the Data
The data presented in this press release is based on actual flight bookings made on Agoda between 1-September to 19 November 2025, for flights departing between 20-31 December 2025. The listed fares include all taxes and fees and are the cheapest booked fares across eight Asia Pacific markets: India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Note that fares can fluctuate: While the listed fares have been booked, Agoda cannot guarantee that these are still available for future bookings. 

Here are our top picks for where to visit during the festive season:

Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff Christmas Market & Lake Louise Sleigh Rides

Tucked in the Rocky Mountains, Banff looks like a picture-perfect holiday postcard. Temperatures go below 10°C creating the perfect ambience for Christmas. Head to the Banff Christmas Market at Cascade Shops to pick up handmade crafts and heart-warming goodies, listen to carol singers and sip on hot chocolate as you stroll under a canopy of lights.

How to get there: Air Canada operates double daily flights from Delhi to Vancouver via Montreal or Toronto. From Vancouver, take a 90-minute flight to Calgary and then get an 80-minute bus to Banff. 

Niagara Falls, Ontario
Winter Festival of Lights

Canada is synonymous with the Niagara Falls; if visiting for Christmas, go see the breathtaking waterfall frozen into stunning shards of ice. And walk the Niagara Parkway, which is lit up with over three million light displays, fireworks and laser shows! 

The Winter Festival of Lights, which runs from November to early January, is Canada’s biggest free outdoor light show, with firework displays over Niagara Falls on Fridays and Sundays, as well as music and ice carvings at Dufferin Islands.

How to get there: Air Canada operates seven weekly direct flights (one daily) from Delhi to Toronto. The bus Toronto to Niagara Falls takes 90 minutes, while the train is two hours.

Whistler, British Columbia
Whistler Village Winter Wonderland & Ice Skating

Whistler Village is an idyllic snow haven in the Coast Mountains, lit up with over 350,000 fairy lights during Christmas. Covered in around 10 meters of snow a year, the village houses Whistler Blackcomb, one of the largest ski resorts in North America. Join in the fun with bonfires, Santa visits, and skating on the Olympic Plaza rink. Shop for crafts at the local markets or sip warm cider after a round of night skiing.

How to get there: Air Canada operates double daily flights from Delhi to Vancouver via Montreal or Toronto. It’s then a two-hour drive to Whistler. 

Toronto, Ontario
Toronto Santa Claus Parade & Distillery District Winter Village

City lovers will relish the Christmas buzz of Toronto. The CN Tower glows red and green, capturing the true spirit of the season, while a stunning tree lights up Nathan Phillips Square to get everyone in the holiday mood. The famous Santa Claus Parade is worth seeing with its floats, bands, and flying elves. The Distillery Winter Village decorates its 40 huts with lights, treats and gifts on brick paths. 

How to get there: Take one of Air Canada’s seven-weekly direct flights (one daily) from Delhi to Vancouver via Montreal or Toronto. 

There is something magical about being part of a perfect white Christmas celebration and Canada knows best how to create a winter wonderland for you to enjoy some festive fun!

Sanrio Puroland (Tokyo) Launches New Parade to Celebrate its 35th Anniversary
 

As a fully indoor theme park, Puroland offers an enjoyable experience year-round, unaffected by weather, temperature, or humidity, giving parents peace of mind when visiting with small children. The park allows guests to immerse themselves in the world of Sanrio through live shows and attractions. Puroland also presents the musical KAWAII KABUKI Momotaro by the Hello Kitty Troupe, which blends the "kawaii" charm of Sanrio characters with traditional Kabuki theater, and beyond words, a non-verbal show featuring My Melody and Kuromi that transcends language barriers for audiences of all ages and nationalities.

The Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland ("Harmonyland") in Hiji Town, Oita, is a beloved outdoor theme park where guests can enjoy character greetings and seasonal shows while surrounded by Oita's natural beauty. In July 2025, Harmonyland opened a new greeting facility, CHARACTER GREETING FUN STUDIO, where My Melody and other beloved characters greet guests in a photo studio-style setting for memorable photo sessions and friendly interactions.
 

Puroland exterior view (top left); KAWAII KABUKI Momotaro by the Hello Kitty Troupe (bottom left); Harmonyland exterior view (top right); CHARACTER GREETING FUN STUDIO (bottom right)​
 

Links
Sanrio Puroland official website: en.puroland.jp/language
Sanrio Character Park Harmonyland official website: www.harmonyland.jp

*When using image materials, please be sure to include the copyright notice.
© 2025 SANRIO CO., LTD. TOKYO, JAPAN Copyright: Sanrio Co., Ltd.

*Images are for illustrative purposes only.
*The content of this release, including images, is current as of December 9, 2025, and may be subject to change.

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam

Set amidst 1400 acres of Assam’s historic tea plantations, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate offers a serene, immersive escape where experiential luxury is redefined by authenticity and unhurried time. Every element, from carefully curated culinary experiences to personalised service with deep respect for the local heritage, truly celebrates the destination and reflects The Postcard Hotel’s commitment to providing extraordinary guest experiences.

The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam

This year’s selection followed a first-hand evaluation by Philippe Servais, Editor-in-Chief of The Gallivanter’s Guide, whose reviews are regarded as a definitive benchmark for luxury travellers seeking authenticity, excellence, and emotional resonance. After extensive global travels through 2025, Philippe identified – The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam as the standout winner amongst shortlisted hotels across different continents – praising its “rare combination of warmth, intuition, and a deeply felt sense of place.” He also noted that the brand’s true differentiators become evident after more than one stay, revealing a consistent thread of intention, honesty, and quiet confidence that binds the portfolio across its diverse locations.

Philippe also visited another property by the brand, The Postcard on the Arabian Sea, Karnataka, and mentioned that it was just as accomplished. He further added, “The Postcard vision – intimate, sincere, unhurried, and rooted in place – feels profoundly relevant to discerning travellers today.” Also recognising The Postcard Hotel’s emphasis on character and service rather than facilities and spectacle, he indicated that the brand’s anytime check-in and check-out, all-day breakfast, as well as genuine hospitality delivered with sincerity at its hotels – quietly disrupts the status quo of Indian luxury. 

“To be recognised amongst the world’s finest hotels by The Gallivanter’s Guide is an extraordinary honour. Assam holds a very special place in our journey, and this award also celebrates the consistent dedication and hard work of our incredible team. We continue to remain committed to uplifting local communities through sustainable livelihoods – ensuring that our presence creates meaningful and lasting impact on the destination,” said Kapil Chopra, Founder of The Postcard Hotel. He further added, “For the Editor to select The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate after experiencing our property and some of the most celebrated luxury hotels globally – is both deeply humbling as well as encouraging.”

With this honour, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate creates a distinctive place for itself within a distinguished list of the world’s finest hotels recognised over the years by The Gallivanter’s Guide. For more than three decades, it has been one of the most respected global authorities on luxury travel, shaping opinions of the world’s most discerning travellers. Its ‘Hotel of the Year’ honour is awarded through rigorous, independently conducted reviews — making it a highly coveted global recognition.

About The Postcard Hotel

Kapil Chopra, along with a team of seasoned luxury hoteliers including Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal, and Raman Bansal, embarked on a visionary journey to create extraordinary experiences for discerning travellers. In December 2018, they unveiled The Postcard Hotel—a brand driven by boldness and ambition, committed to redefining the rules and elevating the standards of experiential luxury. The Postcard Hotel is now opening 8 new hotels in the next 12 months making it the fastest growing uber luxury hotel brand in the world.

Today, The Postcard Hotel’s growing collection spans India and beyond. In Goa, its four retreats—Saligao, Velha, Cuelim, and Hideaway—capture the region’s charm, while The Postcard on the Arabian Sea offers sweeping oceanfront serenity. In Gujarat, The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary immerses guests in the land of the Asiatic Lion, and The Postcard Mandalay Hall in Kochi brings art and heritage together in an evocative setting.

Further afield, The Postcard in the Durrung Tea Estate, Assam, and The Postcard in the Himalayan Willows, Leh, offer uncharted adventures and tranquil escapes. Internationally, the brand extends its philosophy through The Postcard Dewa in Thimphu, Bhutan, and The Postcard Galle in Sri Lanka—each a celebration of place, culture, and understated elegance.

For more brand and hotel information, please visit the website, and Instagram handles @thepostcardhotel @thepostcarddurrungteaestate.

Ishaan Khatter Onboarded As Brand Ambassador for EUME
 

“We have always believed that EUME represents more than just travel accessories - it represents a lifestyle in motion,” said Naina Parekh, Founder, EUME. “In Ishaan, we found a natural extension of that idea. He is energetic yet grounded, stylish yet effortless, and deeply connected to his craft and culture. His personality resonates with the people we create for individuals who want functionality without losing their sense of expression. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for us.”
 

The campaign, spotlighting EUME’s full product range, highlights how the brand’s collections complement everyday life from work to travel to downtime with designs that balance comfort, durability, and understated individuality. Rather than endorsing a single product line, Ishaan represents the entire spirit of the brand: versatile, expressive, and built with purpose.
 

Ishaan Khatter Onboarded As Brand Ambassador for EUME
 

Speaking about the association, Ishaan Khatter said, “EUME represents a mindset that truly speaks to me, smart, conscious, and effortlessly stylish. Collaborating with EUME felt natural because their products are designed for people who are constantly on the move, but never compromise on comfort or individuality.”
 

Ishaan has also played an active role in shaping the creative expression of the campaign from styling moodboards to narrative direction ensuring the storytelling feels real, personal, and reflective of his own way of living and moving through the world.
 

Visually, the campaign adopts a Tech x Design mood, clean architecture, sharp silhouettes, modern lighting, capturing Ishaan in motion, exploring space, energy, and presence. The result is a cinematic, contemporary visual language that reflects EUME’s evolution into a premium lifestyle identity. Through #MakingMoves, EUME defines its transformation from a travel brand into a lifestyle movement driven by innovation, intention, and craftsmanship.

 

About EUME
At EUME, we believe in fostering connections and a sense of belonging, ensuring that each product embodies the spirit of 'You and Me' and stays ahead of the trends. Our mission is to pioneer multipurpose travel accessories that transform the lives of commuters, jetsetters, and family travellers. We are committed to continuous evolution, embracing new standards in functionality, organisation, and comfort while maintaining our dedication to sustainability and social responsibility. Our focus is on empowering our team and promoting creativity to drive positive change.

Agoda’s 2026 Travel Trends Reveal India’s New Era of ‘Inward Wanderlust’
 

Derived from a survey of Asian travelers as part of Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report, the data also reveals that travelers are keen on maximizing value, ensuring every travel dollar is well spent. Travel habits are shifting towards shorter, frequent trips with family, alongside the rise of new trends like micro travel. Against this backdrop, AI has also emerged as a new digital travel companion to help with inspiration and planning.
 

In India, Agoda’s report spotlights a powerful shift toward “inward wanderlust,” as more Indian travelers turn their attention to hidden gems, cultural richness, and meaningful experiences within their own borders.
 

“While frictionless travel continues to fuel outbound ambitions, it’s clear that domestic exploration remains firmly on the minds of Indian travelers. Every corner of the country has something novel and exciting to offer, and this renewed curiosity is shaping a more meaningful and more intentional era of travel. This shift is supported by the rise of AI tools that make planning easier and more personalized than ever. India’s travelers are not just exploring more but they are exploring with deeper intention,” said Gaurav Malik, Country Director for the Indian Subcontinent and Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda.
 

Agoda’s top five trends defining travel in India in 2026

1. Home is where the adventure begins - Domestic exploration accelerates

If 2026 has a travel anthem for India, it is the renewed call to explore the cultural richness within one’s own country. The popularity of domestic travel continues to rise, with more than a third of Indian travelers (35%) planning to explore more within the country than internationally, an increase from 25% last year.
 

While Indians still enjoy balancing both domestic and international adventures, with 51% planning to do so equally, the growing allure of India’s lesser-known destinations is unmistakable. Unique cultural experiences, lower costs, and fewer crowds rank as the top three reasons Indians prefer secondary destinations over traditional hotspots.
 

2. Indian travelers follow their passions - Relaxation, Adventure, and Culture lead the way

Indians are embracing bolder, more meaningful ways to travel. Their top three motivations for taking a trip in 2026 are relaxation (67%), outdoor adventure and activities (28%), and cultural exploration (26%). Notably, Indian travelers are also the most likely across Asia to embark on spiritual or religious journeys, highlighting a growing desire for reflection, connection, and purpose-driven travel experiences.
 

3. Smart spending and planning shapes travel choices

Value remains a key priority for Indian travelers in 2026. Nearly half (47%) plan to spend INR 5000 or less per night on accommodation, underscoring a strong preference for budget-smart stays. Additionally, if visa restrictions were not a factor when planning travel, Indians’ global ambitions would rise even further, with 84% saying they would travel more often and 91% saying they would be open to exploring new destinations, the highest among their Asian peers.
 

4. Shorter, meaningful getaways with loved ones

For most Indian travelers, 2026 will bring trips that balance convenience with connection. The average trip is expected to last between 4-7 days, ideally spent with family (40%) or with a spouse or partner (34%). These shorter breaks allow travelers to enjoy fulfilling experiences without lengthy time away from work or routine responsibilities, reinforcing the trend toward frequent but compact getaways.
 

5. AI emerges as India’s trusted travel co-pilot

Indians are among Asia’s most enthusiastic adopters of AI in travel. 68% say they are likely to use AI to plan their next trip. 53% say they trust AI-generated information, compared to just 12% who express distrust. Indian travelers are looking to AI for help at every stage of their journey from crafting personalized itineraries to discovering local attractions and enabling seamless translations, cementing AI’s role as a dependable digital travel companion.
 

Those making travel plans for 2026 can enjoy Agoda's offerings of over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities, all easily combined in a single booking. Discover the best deals on Agoda’s mobile app and visit Agoda.com for more information.
 

About the Data

Agoda surveyed 3,353 respondents from nine markets in Asia (India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam). The survey was conducted in October 2025.

About Agoda

Agoda, a digital travel platform, helps anyone see the world for less with its great value deals on a global network of 6 million hotels and holiday properties worldwide, plus flights, activities, and more. Agoda.com and the Agoda mobile app are available in 39 languages and supported by 24/7 customer support.

Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG) and employs more than 7,000 staff in 27 markets, dedicated to leveraging best-in-class technology to make travel even easier.

For more information, visit www.agoda.com.

The Mall Group Launches Southeast Asia's First Monchhichi Holiday Collaboration, Elevating Bangkok as Asia's Next Global Festive Landmark

Arriving at a time when character-driven cultural marketing is transforming retail and tourism across Asia, this collaboration reinforces Thailand's ambition to position Bangkok as a world-class festive destination. Demand for immersive, uplifting, and emotionally resonant experiences continues to surge—driven by families, global travelers, collectors, and a new generation seeking moments that "heal the heart." With its universal charm, innocence, and nostalgic appeal, Monchhichi becomes the perfect symbol for Thailand's increasingly experience-centric holiday season.

The Mall Group Launches Southeast Asia's First Monchhichi Holiday Collaboration, Elevating Bangkok as Asia's Next Global Festive Landmark

Created in 1974, Monchhichi has grown from a childhood toy into a cross-generational cultural icon with passionate followings in Japan, Europe, and Asia. The Mall Group's partnership celebrates this enduring legacy while introducing a fresh festive identity that merges Japanese storytelling with Thailand's vibrant, welcoming holiday spirit—offering visitors a uniquely Asian cultural celebration.
 

Under this year's theme, "Joyful Gifting Destination", The Mall Group presents a series of exclusive showcases across its flagship properties:

• Monchhichi Holiday Store Pop-Up at Emporium - Thailand's first official Monchhichi pop-up store featuring Thailand-exclusive collectibles, including Monchhichi in Muay Thai attire and traditional Thai school uniforms, expected to become sought-after treasures among collectors worldwide.

• Monchhichi Christmas Town at The Mall Lifestore Bangkapi - Southeast Asia's first immersive Monchhichi attraction, highlighted by a 12-meter-tall Monchhichi, a themed Carousel, Immersive Infinity Room, and the Monchhichi Express Station. The installation runs until 4 January 2026.

• Premium Collector's Holiday Editions - A curated line of Thailand-exclusive merchandise, including blankets, tumblers, tote bags, bottles, and collectible shopping bags, available at The Mall Lifestore, Emporium, and Siam Paragon.

From 6 November 2025 to 11 January 2026, The Mall Group's major destinations will host seasonal events, themed performances, and premium promotions designed to captivate Thai shoppers and international holidaymakers.

Through this landmark collaboration, The Mall Group brings together world-renowned partners and beloved cultural icons to reshape Bangkok's holiday landscape. By introducing Monchhichi in a bold new experiential format, Thailand strengthens its position as Asia's next global festive hub, offering visitors a season filled with cross-cultural charm, joyful nostalgia, and memorable celebrations that shine on the world stage.

Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Nepal, a 2025 Michelin Key Himalayan wellbeing retreat

The Sanctuary will further unveil its new minimum three-night, all-inclusive concept beginning January 2026, marking a new chapter in immersive Himalayan wellbeing. The all-inclusive concept aligns with Dwarika Sanctuary's philosophy of living wellbeing based on the ancient wisdoms of the Himalayas. Where every guest journey is immersive, exclusive, and deeply personal, with experiences rooted in the traditions of Buddhist and Vedic medicine and designed for travellers seeking not just rest, but profound renewal of body, mind, and spirit.

Nestled in the pristine Dhulikel hills of Nepal, Dwarika's Sanctuary offers a carefully curated environment designed to foster deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic renewal. Spread across 22 acres of stunning hills with panoramic views of the Himalayas, the Sanctuary is inspired by Mother Nature, boasting 40 residential suites reflecting the traditional Nepali village ethos, where trails, glades, and terraced farms are woven into the verdant woodland ecology. Expansive suites overlooking the mountains and the valley, offer a serene and harmonious retreat with natural materials, soft textures, and open views to connect every guest to the surrounding nature.

Immersive All-Inclusive Wellbeing:
Every stay begins with a Personalized Ayurvedic consultation with the resident doctor to understand each guest’s unique mind-body constitution. Daily wellbeing activities such as breathwork at Himalayan Rock Salt House, meditation at Himalayan Rock Crystal Chamber, Shiva linga maze meditation walk, open air yoga, nine planet balancing, singing bowl therapy and spiritual blessing ceremony re-align and re-center energies. The all-inclusive services also include Pancha Kosha Spa treatments, harmonizing the five layers of being, with one signature massage per three nights of stay. The kitchens at the retreat offer nourishing cuisine, prepared with fresh, local, seasonal, and organic produce from the Sanctuary’s own farms, alongside non-alcoholic wellness beverages. For those interested in exploring the outdoors and learn more about the local culture can sign up for exclusive curated experiences including monastery visits and Dwarika’s Organic farm hike and lunch prepared by local farmers. Each element is intentionally designed to guide guests through a journey of restoration and reconnection - with themselves, with nature, and with the spiritual essence of the Himalayas.

“Dwarika’s Sanctuary is more than a destination—it is an inward journey for travellers seeking not just rest, but a profound renewal of body, mind, and spirit,” shares René Vijay Shrestha, CEO of Dwarika’s Collection. “Rooted in the ancient philosophies of the Himalayas, our immersive wellbeing experiences are both exclusive and deeply personal, inviting each guest to reconnect with themselves and with nature in a truly transformative way.”

Accessible by a 45-minute road drive from Kathmandu airport, with no visa requirements for Indians, Dwarika’s Sanctuary is an easy getaway for a quick detox and reset for those looking to restore and rejuvenate.
 

For bookings, call (+977-1) 4579488 / 4570770, email partners@dwarikas.com or log in to www.dwarikas.com/dwarikassanctuary

For media enquires:
sowmya@tresindia.in
digitalmarketing@dwarikas.com

About The Dwarika’s Collection
An intimate collection of two distinctive, Michelin Key-awarded retreats, The Dwarika’s in Kathmandu, popularly known as the ‘living museum’, and one-of-a-kind Himalayan wellbeing offering Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Dhulikel. Deeply committed to the principles of preservation and revival of Nepal’s architectural, cultural, natural, and spiritual heritage, both retreats weave these ethos into all aspects of the guest experience – from the cuisine to wellbeing offerings, curated outdoor activities to the service. 

Hong Kong is being transformed into a magical hub of festive cheer to make it Asia’s most enchanting seasonal destination. For Indian travellers looking for an international winter getaway just a few hours from home, Hong Kong’s WinterFest offers an accessible, vibrant, and picture-perfect holiday experience. The highly anticipated annual Hong Kong WinterFest was launched today in the beating heart of the city, Central. The showcase event is “Winter Wonderland in Central” with a spectacular 20-metre Christmas tree and a delightful giant toy-themed “Christmas Town” to mark the start of weeks of citywide seasonal celebrations. Visitors from around the world are invited to immerse themselves in the magic of the perfect winter fantasy.

Winter Wonderland Lights Up Central as the City Kicks Off a Season of Festive Delights

Hong Kong WinterFest Offers Endless Excitement as Dazzling Lights Make Central Shine

Step into a Dreamlike World of Winter with Giant Toys in Christmas Town

Statue Square Garden in Central has been transformed into a vibrant Christmas Town, where classic holiday melodies fill the air and create an enchanting winter atmosphere.  A miniature train operates every 20 minutes, complete with toot-toot sounds and steam effects before departure, offering visitors the opportunity to capture memorable photos. The Starlight Train Station, illuminated with twinkling lights, warmly welcomes everyone to embark on a joyful winter journey.

A Christmas market featuring 12 chalets will open on 28 November, offering a wide variety of seasonal food, festive gifts, and workshops for locals and tourists to enjoy as they celebrate the joyful season together.

For Indian visitors—especially families, couples, and young travellers seeking Instagrammable moments—Christmas Town’s immersive décor and vibrant market ambience mirror the experiential festive attractions that resonate strongly with Indian holiday preferences.

Chater Road is Transformed into “Starlight Boulevard” and Becomes a Must-Visit Christmas Photo Spot

A Christmas tree light installation with golden decorations will cast a warm festive glow over the entrance to Chater House. As visitors continue their journey beneath the golden canopy of light, they will reach “Noëlia at LANDMARK” within the LANDMARK ATRIUM where they can capture perfect photos in an interactive setting to create romantic winter memories.

Revel in Enchanted Celebrations at the Ultimate Winter Spectacles

Hong Kong's winter festivities extend far beyond Central. Popular tourist spots and theme parks are rolling out exclusive holiday events as an exuberant party atmosphere sweeps the city and every street corner is caught up in the celebrations.

For visitors seeking a fun and dynamic holiday experience, don't miss the giant inflatable playground Merry Balloon Park, which lands at the West Kowloon Art Park on 6 December and stays until 4 January. The venue will feature large photo installations of popular IP characters, a 7-metre inflatable Christmas tree, and a 40-metre track, allowing adults and children to enjoy an unprecedented and exhilarating holiday treat.

This winter, Ocean Park is teaming up with a globally loved IP to take you on an extraordinary underwater adventure. From mid-December, a group of mysterious characters will arrive in a submarine and dive into a beguiling underwater city, guided by our marine animal ambassadors — dolphins, manta rays, and sharks. Visitors can join them on an underwater journey filled with surprises beneath the sea. .

As Winter Lights Glisten Citywide, Capture Your Picture-Perfect Moment Everywhere

Dozens of unique photo hotspots across the city will provide the perfect backdrop for your own winter story, giving you the opportunity to capture the enchantment of the season and share the most heartwarming moments imaginable.

Other popular landmarks across the city will host themed festive displays. K11 MUSEA, the international cultural-retail landmark seamlessly connected to the iconic Avenue of Stars, will present large scale outdoor installations and a series of Christmas celebrations from late November into December, generating a fairytale atmosphere alongside Victoria Harbour. In the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, K11 Art Mall will also add to the seasonal cheer with a magnificent Christmas tree and themed pop-up stores, such as the “KIRBY’S PUPUPU MARKET in Hong Kong” by Nintendo (Hong Kong) Limited, which is the first POP-UP STORE outside Japan.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club, together with the heritage and arts landmark Tai Kwun, will host "HKJC x Tai Kwun - Simple Gifts of Joy 2025" from December 1 until January 4, transforming the historic compound into a sparkling winter landscape. The entire venue will become a giant advent calendar with a 12-metre Christmas tree and soft lighting, creating a magical scene that blends historic and contemporary elements. From December 12, Circus Plays will present a series of thrilling contemporary circus performances from local and international circus troupes to evoke childlike wonder from audiences of all ages. 

In Wan Chai, Lee Tung Avenue will host a Luminous Carnival from November 21 until January 1. This seasonal spectacle will feature an aerial Ferris wheel and an 8-metre Christmas tree crafted from over 20,000 LED lights. Combined with romantic snowfall the European-style boulevard will be transformed into a realm of sheer magic. A Luminous Symphony light-and-music show will be performed every day from 5:30 pm ,with lights dancing to seasonal melodies.

HKTB’s One-Stop “WinterFest Delights” Platform Collates Festive Hotspots and Offers

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is teaming up with tourism partners to launch WinterFest Delights. The promotion will feature a host of festive offers for dining, shopping, attractions, and transport, while the New Year’s Eve fireworks display will serve as one of the major highlights of the “Hong Kong WinterFest”, making a spectacular finale.

For Indian travellers—which represent one of Hong Kong’s fastest-growing tourism segments—these offers add exceptional value, making WinterFest both affordable and unforgettable.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing visitors' experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

SwaSwara, Gokarna - Meditation

This five-to-seven-day itinerary immerses participants in daily healing rituals centred on the five elements of nature addressing physical, emotional and spiritual health. Mornings begin with pranayama and yoga to balance the body’s energies, followed by nature walks and meditation that help reconnect guests with nature. Nourishing raw brunches and wholesome dinners are crafted from local produce, whilst yoga nidra and guided reflections foster emotional calm. Each day focusses on themes of Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. Therapies and other daily rituals include raw vegan cuisine, health talks, nature walks, yoga, hydrotherapy, reflexology, salt therapy and various curated therapies and mindful practices.

SwaSwara, Gokarna - Treatment

Doctor Dr. Amruthavarshini says, “Addressing menopause is crucial as it marks a significant biological and social transition with long lasting health implications like osteoporosis, increased risks of heart diseases and emotional challenges.  Many women do not address it due to lack of awareness and social stigma, thus missing out on support of treatments that can improve their quality of life.

Our Menopause Reset embraces the full journey from perimenopause through menopause offering the care and attention that integrates mind, body and spirit. This pioneering reset program goes beyond conventional care by weaving in ancient elemental wisdom and holistic naturopathic practices Our goal is to help women go through this natural transition with resilience, grace and strength."

Nestled between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, SwaSwara.
Located on the serene shores of Om Beach, the resort’s location is a vital part of the healing philosophy. Nestled in a tranquil, verdant environment that embodies peace and natural balance., the serene sanctuary enables disconnection from urban stress and reconnection to nature’s rhythms. 

In the heart of nature’s embrace, SwaSwara offers more than care - it offers transformation. For more details on SwaSwara Menopause Reset or to book your stay, visit our website www.cghearth.com/swaswara

CGH Earth Wellness Centres offer curated Ayurveda and Naturopathy healing practices designed for enhancing physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance - and various tools to manage stress and overall well- being. Through targeted therapies, corrective medicines, appropriate diet, yoga, and meditation, a tailored program is created to cleanse, correct and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

About CGH Earth Experience Wellness
The art of healing meets the science of health at CGH Earth Experience Wellness – with experiences that heal your body, mind and soul. Combining the power of ancient medicinal systems and traditional therapeutic practices, CGH Earth Wellness offers holistic healthcare based on Ayurveda, Naturopathy and Yoga. It also addresses one's overall state of wellbeing through experiences that are fulfilling and enriching for the self. All of the transformative experiences offered by CGH Earth Wellness are intrinsically nourished by the core values that are at the heart of the group’s hospitality and healthcare. The CGH Earth Group believes that operating with environmental sensitivity, including and benefiting the local community and adopting the local ethos are the only ways to revive, sustain and thrive as a global collective. 

A pioneer in responsible tourism in India and with a credible background spanning over five decades in offering uniquely immersive travel experiences, CGH Earth diversified into wellness with the start of Ayurveda Healthcare 17 years back at Kalari Kovilakom, followed by Kalari Rasayana. In 2018, the group expanded further with Prakriti Shakti, a centre dedicated to naturopathy—an evidence-based system of holistic healing that evolved as a structured medical system in Europe; however, its philosophy and practices are deeply rooted in Indian culture and way of life. In India, the therapeutic benefits of Yoga were also blended into it, making it a holistic Indian healing system.

Kalari Kovilakom, Kalari Rasayana, and Prakriti Shakti are CGH Earth’s dedicated Ayurveda and Naturopathy hospitals, each certified and accredited by NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers). These centres primarily focus on curative treatments for the body, rooted in traditional and evidence-based systems of holistic healing.

In contrast, SwaSwara is not a hospital, but a unique wellness retreat that complements this journey by offering a space for both healing and mindful holidays. Nestled in the wilderness along the serene shores of Om Beach, SwaSwara was born from CGH Earth’s quest to redefine the idea of a true holiday—one that nurtures the mind and spirit through rejuvenating, immersive experiences designed to release, re-focus, and recalibrate the self. It also offers dedicated programs that address common lifestyle disorders faced in today’s fast-paced world.

• Inspired by the ‘Shelf Discovery’ trend from Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 Report, the activation celebrated Indian travellers’ passion for exploring local supermarkets when abroad.

• The two-day event took place in Delhi and Mumbai, drawing over 2,000 visitors who sampled 16 varieties of international snacks from around the world.

• Through a series of fun, interactive activities, over 3,000 snacks from Japan to Mexico, valued at INR 10,00,000, were given away.

Leading global travel app Skyscanner brought its first-ever Snack Transit Pop-Up to India, delighting food lovers and travel enthusiasts alike in Delhi and Mumbai. This innovative food-truck-meets-convenience-store experience marked an exciting step in Skyscanner’s journey beyond the digital realm, bringing its global travel inspiration to life, through flavour and discovery.

Queues build at the Mumbai food truck as visitors wait to taste snacks from around the world

An extension of Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2026 Report, featuring its ‘Shelf Discovery’ trend, the pop-up drew on insights revealing that 79% of Indian travellers love exploring local supermarkets when abroad, as a way to experience new cuisines and cultures. By marrying India’s deep-rooted passion for food, the popularity of food trucks, and the growth of culinary exploration, Skyscanner demonstrated how snacks serve as a gateway to cultural discovery and travel inspiration.

About Skyscanner

Skyscanner is a global leader in travel that helps travellers plan and book their trip with ease and confidence. Every month, Skyscanner connects millions of travellers, in 180 countries and 37 languages, to more than 1200 trusted travel partners so they can find flight, hotel or car hire options.

Founded in 2003, Skyscanner has offices worldwide, in Europe, Asia-Pacific and North America where traveller-first innovations are developed and powered by data and insights. Making use of the latest technology, Skyscanner simplifies the complexity of travel and provides honest and transparent solutions, searching around 100 billion prices every day so travellers can be sure they've seen the best possible options, all in one place.

 Festive lights illuminate Central Hong Kong during the spectacular WinterFest celebration

Transforming Central into a Winter Wonderland (14 November 2025 – 4 January 2026) 
“Winter Wonderland in Central” will bring the joy of Christmas to Hong Kong with a breathtaking lineup of events. For the first time, iconic landmarks in Central will be turned into a vast illuminated canvas for an “Immersive Light Show in Central”, while a 20-metre-high outdoor Christmas tree will tower above a bustling Christmas Town. Nearby, Chater Road will be lit up as a Starlight Boulevard to extend the joyful atmosphere by connecting seamlessly with the largest festive installation ever in LANDMARK ATRIUM, “Noëlia at LANDMARK,”– an annual installation that much of Hong Kong eagerly awaits, extending the joyful atmosphere across the district.

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “This year’s Hong Kong WinterFest is being presented in a new format and features the most extensive lineup and richest event elements to date. We aim to create a strong festive atmosphere citywide and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s top winter travel destination. We are delighted to collaborate with Hongkong Land to turn Central into a Winter Wonderland. Together with the new “Immersive Light Show in Central”, Central will become a brand new festive hotspot. This initiative not only enhances the holiday experience for locals and visitors but also stimulates the seasonal economy. We are grateful for the widespread support from industry partners, including the Quality Tourism Services Association, Hong Kong Retail Management Association, and a wide range of attractions and malls who are joining hands to offer festive dining, shopping deals, and activities.” 

Statue Square Garden in Central is Turned into a Christmas Town with Return of Much-Loved Christmas Tree (14 November 2025- 4 January 2026)
From 14 November, Statue Square Garden in Central will be turned into a joyous Christmas Town where visitors of all ages can experience the childlike wonder of winter as if stepping into the pages of a fairy tale. The town will be packed with classic and colourful toy-themed decorations such as spaceships, puppets, and miniature trains. As Christmas approaches, visitors will be treated to live carol performances and surprise appearances by Santa Claus to deliver an extra helping of holiday cheer. A Christmas market featuring 12 festive chalets will open on 28 November, serving up a mouthwatering array of seasonal delicacies and offering gifts and workshops for locals and visitors to enjoy. It will be the perfect place to get in the mood for an unforgettable holiday season.

The glittering showpiece at the heart of Christmas Town will be a 20-metre-tall outdoor Christmas tree – the height of a six-storey building. Wrapped in shimmering ribbons like an enormous Christmas gift, the magnificent tree will light up the entire town with its warm glow. Extending the joyous spirit of the Christmas Town, Chater Road will undergo a magical transformation into a Starlight Boulevard. Over 30 trees along Chater Road will be adorned with shimmering lights, creating a festive atmosphere in the outside space. The pedestrian footbridges will be aglow, and a Christmas tree light installation will be suspended above the entrance to Chater House, creating a striking visual centrepiece for the display. Every evening at 5 pm, these lights will transform Chater road into an outdoor Christmas experience not to be missed.

As visitors continue their journey beneath the golden canopy of light, they will reach “Noëlia at LANDMARK” within the LANDMARK ATRIUM. This enchanting 30 meter wide installation featuring a 11 meter high lighthouse not only offers numerous photo-worthy moments for friends and family but also proudly features Hong Kong's largest interactive 12x12 meter Wishing Lake.

Eight Iconic Buildings in Central are Linked for First Time to Present a Dreamlike “Immersive Lights Show in Central”  (28 November 2025- 4 January 2026)  
Another highlight of this year’s Hong Kong WinterFest is the debut of the “Immersive Lights Show in Central”. From 28 November, eight iconic buildings surrounding Christmas Town will, for the first time, be used as an immense canvas for a stunning multimedia light-and-music extravaganza. Using 3D projection mapping, lighting effects, and holiday melodies, a succession of reindeer, angels, snowmen, and gift boxes will be projected onto historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers. The lifelike visuals will appear to leap playfully between the trees in Christmas Town, dancing to seasonal favourites. The captivating sensory experience will reflect the dynamism and energy of Hong Kong’s nighttime cityscape.

Exclusive Citywide Winter Festive Offers
To complete a perfect winter holiday for visitors, the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will join hands with industry partners to launch a WinterFest Delights campaign in December. The promotion will feature more than 300 exclusive offers for dining, shopping, attractions, and transport. A one-stop online platform will be available for visitors to easily explore all available offers and make the most of Hong Kong’s holiday calendar.

Hong Kong is thrilled to welcome visitors from around the world for a Christmas and New Year to remember. Across the city, shopping malls, hotels, theme parks, and attractions will glisten with festive decorations and host a huge range of celebrations that will live on in the memory of every visitor. The New Year’s Eve countdown fireworks display will serve as one of the major highlights of the ‘Hong Kong WinterFest,’ making a spectacular finale. Start planning your trip now – and get ready to immerse yourself in the sheer magic of Asia’s most exciting winter destination.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)
The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with marketing and promoting Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhancing visitors' experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.