Booking.com reveals travel trends from H1 2025
For Indian travellers, holidays are said to be no longer just an escape but a source of joy, wellbeing and renewal. With 66% seeking travel to boost their mood and 58% opting for short domestic trips this year followed by short international trips (36%).
Sarovar Hotels brings Somaliland its first 5-star international hotel
Sarovar Hotels announces the launch of Serene Sarovar Premiere Hargeisa, the first international branded 5-star hotel in Somaliland. The launch marks a milestone not only for the country’s hospitality sector but also strengthens Sarovar Hotels footprint in East Africa, where it already operates in Kenya.
Finnair introduces new destinations for summer 2026
Catania, Florence and Valencia are new destinations, while Kos has been previously operated as a charter flight.
Summit Hotels & Resorts launches resort in Lamahatta
Strategically located just 22 kilometres from Darjeeling town and within easy reach of Tiger Hill and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Summit Enigma Resort & Spa offers16 elegant rooms, among other amenities.
VisitBritain appoints Ritu Varma as Country Manager for India
Based in Mumbai, Ritu will lead VisitBritain’s activity in India to boost inbound tourism to Britain. The role will focus on product development and implementing VisitBritain’s distribution strategy, working closely with travel trade and industry partners to encourage Indian visitors to discover more of Britain.
Eastern Region holds great potential for becoming global aviation powerhouse: MoCA Minister
Union Civil Aviation minister, Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu emphasised the need for deepening Centre-State-Industry collaboration for the accelerated growth of the Civil Aviation sector in the Eastern Region. He was speaking during the Eastern Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation 2025 in Bhubaneswar on August 25.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites set to open in Gwalior by early 2029
IHG® Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Dutta Buildcon Pvt. Ltd. for the development of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Gwalior, marking the debut of the brand in the historic city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. Slated to open in early 2029, the new-build hotel aims to further strengthen IHG’s presence in high-potential secondary markets across India.
SAMHI signs agreement to lease for 260-room mid-scale hotel in Hyderabad
Under the agreement, the building will be developed by Aurean Eskar and subsequently handed over to SAMHI for fitouts and branding. This hotel will mark SAMHI’s third property in the Financial District, alongside the Sheraton with 326 rooms, including 42 under development.
Kerala Tourism’s Social Media Campaign wins PATA Gold 2025
State Tourism Minister Mohamed Riyas received the PATA Award for the campaign in Bangkok. With a cross-platform rollout across Instagram, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, the campaign generated a reach of over 1.2 million and more that 89,700 engagements, while also driving user-generated content, influencer collaborations, and viral success through relatable, Kerala-rooted humour.
Newly opened Novotel New Delhi City Centre hosts “The Grand Showcase”
Novotel New Delhi City Centre features 124 thoughtfully designed guest rooms, including a Presidential Suite, blending comfort, functionality and sustainability. The hotel offers over 10,000 square feet of adaptable event venues.
