The 5th edition of India Expo Shop 2025, organised by the Indian Exhibitions, Conferences and Events Services Association (IESA), opened today at Yashobhoomi, Dwarka (August 12–13), reporting to host over 100 exhibitors, over 300 decision-makers, and more than 2,000 professionals, all converging to explore innovation, sustainability and next-gen opportunities in the MICE sector.

Brigade Hotel Ventures Limited announced the signing of a multi-deal agreement with Marriott International, Inc. to develop six hotels (940 rooms) across four key markets in the country. This portfolio expansion will feature properties under five Marriott Bonvoy brands – The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard by Marriott and Fairfield by Marriott.

Saudia reported to have achieved growth in its operational performance for the first half of 2025, based to the latest performance report. The airline reported to have carried more than 17.5 million guests, marking a 7.2% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

Akasa Air announced the addition of Phuket as the sixth international destination to its network. Starting September 20, 2025, the airline will operate daily direct flights connecting Mumbai with Phuket. This launch said to mark Akasa’s foray into Southeast Asia and further connects two of the world’s most dynamic and high-growth regions.

In a milestone moment, IHCL signed a few definitive agreements to acquire controlling stake in ANK Hotels Pvt Ltd and Pride Hospitality Pvt Ltd and signed a distribution agreement with Brij Hospitality Pvt Ltd. With many decades of hospitality experience, the promoters of these companies belong to the illustrious Clarks hotels family. This takes IHCL’s portfolio to over 550 hotels.

IndiGo has announced direct, four weekly flights connecting Mumbai to major Central Asian cities - Tashkent (Uzbekistan) and Almaty (Kazakhstan), effective September 1 and 2, 2025 respectively. This announcement follows the recent launch of IndiGo’s direct flight on Mumbai-Tbilisi (Georgia) route. IndiGo already operates direct flights from Delhi to Tashkent, Almaty and Tbilisi since 2023.

Themed around “Connecting Tourism Leaders, Inspiring Growth”, this gathering aims to bring together leaders from travel, tourism, entertainment and hospitality sectors for 3 days of keynote addresses, panel discussions, fireside chats, and networking opportunities.

IHG® Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Hotel Eastern Nepal Pvt Ltd for the development of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Dhulabari in South-Eastern Nepal. Set to open in 2026, the latest development aims to grow its portfolio in high-potential markets across South West Asia.

The roadshow brought together 14 key partners, including Air Seychelles and IndiGo Airlines; hotels such as Avani+ Barbarons Seychelles, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, Club Med Seychelles, Eden Bleu Hotel, Kempinski Seychelles Resort, and Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa.

As India moves towards becoming a USD 3 trillion tourism economy by 2047, the sector stands at the threshold of pivotal inflection point. Yet, despite the unparalleled cultural heritage, geographical diversity, and spiritual richness, the stark realities are sobering including India commanding less than 2% of global tourist arrivals compared to other major global lodging markets.