Travel
The rains are winning: India's monsoon travel boom sends hotel bookings up 10-fold
The monsoon season is attracting many travelers to various Indian destinations. Popular spots like Goa and Kerala are seeing increased tourist footfall this year. Hill stations in Himachal and Uttarakhand also report significant growth in hotel bookings. Overseas destinations like Tajikistan are experiencing a substantial rise in travel interest. Hotels and travel brands are offering attractive deals to boost seasonal tourism.
IBS Group launches new AI company; to invest $500 million
IBS Group has launched Naviq Technology, an artificial intelligence firm for the global travel sector. The company will invest USD 500 million over the next five years. Naviq Technology aims to partner with airlines and hospitality groups for business transformations. It will provide AI-first innovations to enhance operational efficiency and user experiences.
The rise of luxury nature resorts in Chikmagalur: Why families, couples and slow travellers are choosing the hills
Chikmagalur's travel appeal has shifted from basic stays to experiential luxury. Today's visitors seek private spaces and authentic nature experiences away from crowds. Travelers now search for specific accommodations like nature resorts and family-friendly cottages. Good nature resorts integrate with the landscape rather than dominating it. This destination now offers a quieter, more grounded travel experience for many.
Ladakh tourism surges as June arrivals jump 43% and foreign visitors double from 2025
Ladakh experiences a significant tourism surge, with visitor numbers climbing substantially. Foreign tourist arrivals have nearly doubled, indicating growing international interest in the region. This growth fuels economic confidence for local businesses and residents. Policy changes and expanded amenities have facilitated this impressive tourism expansion. Niche and climate-resilient tourism offerings are now being promoted throughout the year.
MakeMyTrip Launches OneCircle, a Global Rewards Program With 13,300+ Accommodation Properties
MakeMyTrip has launched its new global rewards program called OneCircle. This program connects over thirteen thousand accommodation properties across one thousand cities worldwide. Travellers will earn a minimum of ten percent back on accommodation spending as reward points. Three in four participating properties are located in tier two and tier three Indian cities. This initiative aims to make every trip more rewarding for travellers and partners.
Sentosa eyes higher tourist inflows from India as arrivals to Singapore island rise 8% in FY26
Sentosa Development Corporation is ramping up initiatives to woo Indian tourists, a vital demographic fueling the island's tourism growth. Following an impressive 8% annual increase in visitors from India, the island seeks to attract even more wanderers. Additionally, the forthcoming integration of Sentosa and Brani islands provides a prime opportunity for Indian businesses eager to explore international markets.
Tourism ministry, Google ink MoU to boost promotion of India's destinations via digital tech
India's tourism sector is set to receive a significant digital boost as the Ministry of Tourism partners with Google. This collaboration will harness AI, data insights, and digital technologies to enhance the promotion of India's destinations, cultural heritage, and experiences for both domestic and international travelers. The initiative aims to create immersive virtual journeys and strengthen the country's global tourism presence through innovative outreach strategies and capacity building.
How Tour Times is redefining organised group travel in India
India's domestic tourism is booming, with organized group travel, especially religious pilgrimages and corporate events, leading the charge. This surge highlights a critical need for specialized, end-to-end group travel management. Companies like Tour Times are stepping in, offering comprehensive solutions beyond mere bookings to create managed experiences for diverse institutional needs, from spiritual gatherings to educational tours and corporate incentives.
Melbourne, Victoria: Every Bit Different
Planning a trip to Australia? Explore Melbourne’s famous coffee culture, iconic attractions, art scene, sporting events and scenic coastal experiences in this 2026 travel guide.
Smaller cities power India’s corporate travel surge
Corporate travel in India is increasingly shifting towards smaller cities, with nearly 60% of bookings now originating from or heading to these locations. Manufacturing hubs in Tier 2 and 3 cities are driving this trend, with executive travel dominating hotel bookings in nearly 200 non-metro areas. This surge is prompting hospitality companies to expand their presence in these emerging business centers.
Must Watch
Mountain bookings up 76 per cent in June as urban Indians flock to hills: Report
Indian mountain getaways are booming, with Zostel reporting a 76% surge in Shimla bookings and nearly 95% growth in other popular spots like Srinagar. Spontaneous travel is on the rise, with almost half of bookings made within three days of departure. Travellers are also exploring lesser-known destinations.
Kashmir tourism boom: Vande Bharat, road trips fuel surge in short stays
Hoteliers, tour operators and officials said the newly launched Vande Bharat Express has helped boost tourism in the valley, known for its mountains, lakes and tulip gardens. With more personal vehicles entering the region, Srinagar is seeing traffic congestion in several areas.
Gen Z retires annual holiday, prefers weekend trips, short breaks: Report
Indian Gen Z is redefining travel, favouring frequent short breaks over single annual holidays. Research reveals 87% prefer trips under a week, with 70% opting for three short getaways instead of one long vacation. This generation views travel as an identity expression, prioritizing personal taste and spontaneous exploration over rigid itineraries.
Chennai port launches 21-voyage cruise season as MV Empress arrives
Chennai Port witnessed a significant boost to cruise tourism with the arrival of MV Empress, launching an extensive three-month season. The port efficiently managed a record 3,600 passengers in a single day, showcasing its readiness for high-volume operations. A culturally rich welcome, featuring traditional music and hospitality, greeted travellers, highlighting Tamil Nadu's heritage. Modernised facilities and an expanded itinerary connecting to international and domestic destinations further solidify Chennai's maritime importance.
Goa received more than 46 lakh tourists in first five months of this year
Goa welcomed over 46.39 lakh tourists from January to May this year, a slight uptick attributed to enhanced connectivity and diverse experiences. The state saw a 0.39% increase in visitors compared to the previous year, with domestic tourists forming the majority.
Abu Dhabi hosts India’s travel leaders to strengthen partnerships
Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, in partnership with Etihad Airways, hosted a C-level trade visit from India, bringing together senior travel leaders. The visit underscored Abu Dhabi's robust tourism performance, with strong occupancy rates and increased museum visitors, alongside significant air connectivity with India. This collaboration aims to foster long-term value and enhance traveler experiences.
